Theft prevention for returned merchandise

ABSTRACT

Consistent with disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media for electronic security systems for preventing theft of returned goods may be provided. Embodiments may include an electronic article surveillance (EAS) gate in an establishment and at least one receiver configured to receive transmissions from wirelessly transmitting tags. Embodiments may also include at least one processor configured to receive, from a mobile communications device associated with a previous purchaser, a notification of intent to return a previously purchased product to the establishment; identify a unique tag ID of a specific wirelessly transmitting tag associated with the previously purchased product; update a data structure to indicate that the previously purchased product was returned to the establishment; and enable an ability to initiate an alarm when the at least one receiver receives a transmission from the specific tag associated with the previously purchased product in proximity to the EAS gate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityto International Application No. PCT/IB2022/000004, filed on Jan. 11,2022, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/135,963, filed Jan. 11, 2021, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/145,735, filed Feb. 4, 2021, each of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments generally relate to systems and methods forwireless identification tags for association with products andelectronic security systems including wireless identification tags.

BACKGROUND

The ability to transfer data over a network provides many opportunitiesto enable various electronic devices to connect with other devices andnetworks, to perform increasingly autonomous operations, and to provideinteractive experiences for users. However, conventional systems andmethods for providing digital communication may use a certain amount ofhardware, energy consumption, costs, and other technical limitationsthat may prevent them from being implemented with respect to certainproducts, systems, and industries. Further, there are a multitude ofsecurity and privacy concerns related to the transfer of data that mayrender the implementation of such technologies impractical with respectto certain fields.

Therefore, there is a need for cost-efficient and unconventionalapproaches that efficiently, effectively, and safely enable the digitalself-representation of a wide range of products as well and/or themanagement such products.

SUMMARY

Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide systems andmethods generally relating to wireless identification tags forassociation with products. The disclosed systems and methods may beimplemented using a combination of conventional hardware and software aswell as specialized hardware and software, such as a machine constructedand/or programmed specifically for performing functions associated withthe disclosed method steps. Consistent with other disclosed embodiments,non-transitory computer readable storage media may store programinstructions, which are executable by at least one processing device andperform any of the steps and/or methods described herein.

Consistent with disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computerreadable media for electronic security systems for establishmentsoffering products having associated wireless transmitting tags aredisclosed. The embodiments may include at least one electronic articlesurveillance (EAS) gate. The embodiments may further include at leastone receiver configured to receive transmissions from the wirelesstransmitting tags. The embodiments may further include at least oneprocessor configured to receive, from a device operated by a prospectivepurchaser, a specific tag ID of a specific tag associated with aspecific product for prospective purchase from the establishment; accessa data structure containing a plurality of tag IDs associated with aplurality of products in the establishment; perform a lookup in the datastructure of the specific tag ID, to thereby identify the specificproduct; initiate an electronic purchase transaction to debit an accountassociated with the prospective purchaser for an electronic purchase ofthe specific product; and following the electronic purchase of thespecific product, disable an ability to initiate an alarm when the atleast one receiver receives a transmission from the specific tag inproximity to the EAS gate.

Consistent with additional disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, andcomputer readable media for electronic security systems for inventorycontrol operations are also disclosed. The embodiments may includereceiving transmissions from a plurality of wireless transmitting tags.The embodiments may further include receiving, from a device operated bya prospective purchaser, a specific tag ID of a specific tag associatedwith a specific product for prospective purchase from an establishment.The embodiments may further include accessing a data structurecontaining a plurality of tag IDs associated with a plurality ofproducts in the establishment. The embodiments may further includeperforming a lookup in the data structure of the specific tag ID, tothereby identify the specific product. The embodiments may furtherinclude initiating an electronic purchase transaction to debit anaccount associated with the prospective purchaser for an electronicpurchase of the specific product. The embodiments may further includefollowing the electronic purchase of the specific product, disabling anability to initiate an alarm when a transmission is received from thespecific tag in proximity to an electronic article surveillance (EAS)gate associated with the establishment.

Consistent with disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computerreadable media for electronic security systems for establishmentsoffering in-store pick-up of previously purchased products are furtherdisclosed. The embodiments may include products having associatedwirelessly transmitting tags. The embodiments may further include atleast one electronic article surveillance (EAS) gate. The embodimentsmay further include at least one receiver configured to receivetransmissions from the wirelessly transmitting tags. The embodiments mayfurther include at least one processor. The embodiments may furtherinclude accessing a purchase transaction record of an out-of-storeproduct purchase, the purchase transaction record including anidentification of at least one purchased product andpurchaser-identifying information of a purchaser associated with the atleast one purchased product. The embodiments may further includereceiving a unique tag ID of a specific tag associated with at least onespecific product in inventory corresponding to the at least onepurchased product. The embodiments may further include assigning the atleast one specific product to a record associated with the purchasetransaction. The embodiments may further include receiving, from amobile communications device associated with the purchaser, anotification that the at least one purchased product is being picked upat the establishment. The embodiments may further include authorizingpick-up of the at least one specific product based on informationreceived from the mobile communications device associated with thepurchaser. The embodiments may further include following theauthorization of pick-up of the at least one specific product, disablingan ability to initiate an alarm when the at least one receiver receivesa transmission from the specific tag in proximity to the EAS gate.

Consistent with additional disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, andcomputer readable media for in-store pick-up of products areadditionally disclosed. The embodiments may include previously purchasedproducts. The embodiments may further include products associated withwirelessly transmitting tags. The embodiments may further includereceiving transmissions from at least one of the wirelessly transmittingtags. The embodiments may further include accessing a purchasetransaction record of an out-of-store product purchase from anestablishment, the purchase transaction record including anidentification of at least one purchased product andpurchaser-identifying information of a purchaser associated with the atleast one purchased product. The embodiments may further includereceiving a unique tag ID of a specific tag associated with at least onespecific product in inventory corresponding to the at least onepurchased product. The embodiments may further include assigning the atleast one specific product to a record associated with the purchasetransaction. The embodiments may further include receiving, from amobile communications device associated with the purchaser, anotification that the at least one purchased product is being picked upat the establishment. The embodiments may further include authorizingpick-up of the at least one specific product based on informationreceived from the mobile communications device associated with thepurchaser. The embodiments may further include following theauthorization of pick-up of the at least one specific product, disablingan ability to initiate an alarm when a transmission is received from thespecific tag in proximity to an electronic article surveillance (EAS)gate associated with the establishment.

Consistent with disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computerreadable media for electronic security systems for preventing theft ofreturned goods are disclosed. The embodiments may include at least oneelectronic article surveillance (EAS) gate in an establishment. Theembodiments may further include at least one receiver configured toreceive transmissions from wirelessly transmitting tags. The embodimentsmay further include at least one processor. The embodiments may furtherinclude receiving, from a mobile communications device associated with aprevious purchaser, a notification of intent to return a previouslypurchased product to the establishment. The embodiments may furtherinclude identifying in a data structure, following receipt of thenotification, a unique tag ID of a specific wirelessly transmitting tagassociated with the previously purchased product. The embodiments mayfurther include updating the data structure to indicate that thepreviously purchased product was returned to the establishment. Theembodiments may further include enabling, upon updating the datastructure, an ability to initiate an alarm when the at least onereceiver receives a transmission from the specific tag associated withthe previously purchased product in proximity to the EAS gate.

Consistent with additional disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, andcomputer readable media for preventing theft of wirelessly taggedreturned items are also disclosed. The embodiments may include receivingtransmissions from wirelessly transmitting tags. The embodiments mayfurther include receiving, from a mobile communications deviceassociated with a previous purchaser, a notification of intent to returna previously purchased product to an establishment. The embodiments mayfurther include identifying in a data structure, following receipt ofthe notification, a unique tag ID of a specific wirelessly transmittingtag associated with the previously purchased product. The embodimentsmay further include updating the data structure to indicate that thepreviously purchased product was returned to the establishment. Theembodiments may further include enabling, upon updating the datastructure, an ability to initiate an alarm when at least one receiverassociated with the establishment receives a transmission from thespecific tag associated with the previously purchased product inproximity to at least one electronic article surveillance (EAS) gate inthe establishment.

Consistent with disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computerreadable media for wireless transactions and wireless transactioncommunications are further disclosed. The embodiments may include atleast one processor. The embodiments may further include accessing atleast one data structure containing identities of a plurality of displayareas and identities of a plurality of products associated with theplurality of display areas. The embodiments may further includereceiving, from a mobile communications device, a request forinformation related to a particular display area in a vicinity of themobile communications device. The embodiments may further includereceiving location information associated with a locus of the mobilecommunications device. The embodiments may further include performing,in response to the location information, a look-up in the at least onedata structure to identify the particular display area in the vicinityof the mobile communications device. The embodiments may further includeretrieving from the at least one data structure, based on theidentification of the particular display area, product-relatedinformation of products associated with the particular display area. Theembodiments may further include transmitting the product-relatedinformation to the mobile communications device.

Consistent with disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computerreadable media for wireless transmitting tags in an establishmentcontaining a plurality of wirelessly tagged products, and forautomatically generating a product distribution planogram areadditionally disclosed. The embodiments may further include at least oneprocessor configured to receive from a plurality of receivers in theestablishment, wireless signals from the plurality of the wirelesslytagged products, wherein the wireless signals include an ID associatedwith each of the plurality of wirelessly tagged products; access a datastructure associating each ID of each wirelessly tagged product withclassification information; determine from the wireless signals,locations in the establishment of each of the wirelessly taggedproducts; perform a lookup in the data structure of each ID of each ofthe wirelessly tagged products to determine the product classificationinformation associated with each of the wirelessly tagged products; andgenerate a planogram for the establishment using the determinedlocations of each wirelessly tagged product and the determined productclassification information, wherein the planogram indicates on a map ofthe establishment locations of groups of the wirelessly tagged productssharing common classification information.

Consistent with additional disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, andcomputer readable media for performing operations for generating aplanogram based on information collected from wireless tags aredisclosed. The embodiments may include receiving from a plurality ofreceivers in the establishment, wireless signals from the plurality ofthe wirelessly tagged products, wherein the wireless signals include anID associated with each of the plurality of wirelessly tagged products.The embodiments may further include accessing a data structureassociating each ID of each wirelessly tagged product withclassification information. The embodiments may also include determiningfrom the wireless signals, locations in the establishment of each of thewirelessly tagged products. Further the embodiments may includeperforming a lookup in the data structure of each ID of each of thewirelessly tagged products to determine the product classificationinformation associated with each of the wirelessly tagged products. Theembodiments may also include generating the planogram for theestablishment using the determined locations of each wirelessly taggedproduct and the determined product classification information, whereinthe planogram indicates on a map of the establishment locations ofgroups of the wirelessly tagged products sharing common classificationinformation.

Consistent with disclosed embodiments systems, methods, and computerreadable media relating to reading wireless transmitting tags in anestablishment containing a plurality of wirelessly tagged products, andfor automatically generating replenishment alerts are disclosed. Theembodiments may include at least one processor configured to receivefrom a plurality of receivers in the establishment, wireless signalsfrom the plurality of wirelessly tagged products, wherein the wirelesssignals reflect an ID associated with each of the plurality ofwirelessly tagged products; access at least one data structureassociating each ID of each wirelessly tagged product with one of aplurality of product models; perform a look-up in the data structure ofa product model associated with at least one ID of at least onewirelessly tagged product; determine, based on the look-up, a totalnumber of units of each product model detected in the establishment;access in the at least one data structure a target threshold of unitsassociated with each product model in the establishment; compare thedetermined total number of units of each product model with the targetthreshold to determine when a particular product model falls below anassociated threshold; and output a replenishment notification for theparticular product model.

Consistent with additional disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, andcomputer readable media for reading wireless transmitting tags in anestablishment containing a plurality of wirelessly tagged products, andfor automatically generating replenishment alerts are disclosed. Theembodiments may include receiving from a plurality of receivers in anestablishment, wireless signals from the plurality of wirelessly taggedproducts, wherein the wireless signals reflect an ID associated witheach of the plurality of wirelessly tagged products. The embodiments mayfurther include accessing at least one data structure associating eachID of each wirelessly tagged product with one of a plurality of productmodels. The embodiments may also include performing a look-up in thedata structure of a product model associated with at least one ID of atleast one wirelessly tagged product. The embodiments may includedetermining, based on the look-up, a total number of units of eachproduct model detected in the establishment. The embodiments may alsoinclude accessing in the at least one data structure a target thresholdof units associated with each product model in the establishment. Theembodiments may include comparing the determined total number of unitsof each product model with the target threshold to determine when aparticular product model falls below an associated threshold. Further,the embodiments may include outputting a replenishment notification forthe particular product model.

The forgoing summary provides certain examples of disclosed embodimentsto provide a flavor for this disclosure and is not intended to summarizeall aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Additional features andadvantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in thedescription that follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments.The features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will berealized and attained by the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are examples and explanatory only andare not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments as claimed.

The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification. Thedrawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of thedisclosed embodiments as set forth in the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various disclosed embodiments. Inthe drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary wireless identificationsystem including gates, a wireless identification tag incorporated intoan item worn by a user, and a wireless identification tag incorporatedinto an item held by the user, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless identification tag ofthe system of FIG. 1, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts the exemplary wireless identification tag of FIG. 2encapsulated within a fabric pocket, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts the exemplary wireless identification tag of FIG. 2attached to a garment tag, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts the exemplary wireless identification tag of FIG. 2 sewninto an item, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts the exemplary wireless identification tag of FIG. 2mounted onto a hanging tag, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts the exemplary wireless identification tag of FIG. 2embedded into a clothing item, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts the exemplary wireless identification tag of FIG. 2adhered to a container, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of exemplary system architecture for awireless identification tag, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 10 is another block diagram of the exemplary system architecture ofFIG. 9, showing details of exemplary controller architecture, consistentwith disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a network diagram of an exemplary system for monitoring thelocation of items within an establishment, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of exemplary system for harvesting andstoring ambient energy, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a retail establishment incorporatingan exemplary wireless identification system, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 13B depicts an example of a wireless identification tag operatingin an exemplary infrastructure-excitable mode, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 13C depicts an example of a wireless identification tag operatingin an exemplary user-excitable mode, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 13D depicts an example of a wireless identification tag operatingin an exemplary gate mode, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 14A illustrates a user device displaying an inventory searchgraphical user interface, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 14B illustrates a user device displaying a product graphical userinterface, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 14C illustrates a user device displaying a product size searchgraphical user interface, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating an example of inventory controloperations, consistent with some disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary retail establishmentincorporating an exemplary wireless identification system, consistentwith disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of an exemplary Wide Area Network (WAN) forcommunications between establishments, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 18 is a network diagram of an exemplary wireless identificationsystem for in-store pick-up of previously purchased products, consistentwith disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary package holding at least one productpurchased from an establishment, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 20A depicts a mobile communications device displaying a firstgraphical user interface for generating a return notification,consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 20B depicts a mobile communications device displaying a secondgraphical user interface for generating a return notification,consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary retail establishment with multipledisplay areas for displaying offered products, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 22 depicts a mobile communications device displaying a graphicaluser interface with product-related information, consistent withdisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary planogram representing a floor map ofan establishment, consistent with embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of anaspect of the generation of planogram, consistent with embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of anaspect of the generation of replenishment notifications, consistent withembodiments.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart illustrating an example of in-store pick-up ofpreviously purchased products, consistent with some disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart illustrating an example of preventing theft ofwirelessly tagged returned items, consistent with some disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart illustrating an example of performing wirelesstransactions, consistent with some disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. In the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, theleft-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in whichthe reference number first appears. Wherever convenient, the samereference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the sameor like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles aredescribed herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementationsare possible without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosed embodiments. Also, the words “comprising,” “having,”“containing,” and “including,” and other similar forms are intended tobe equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or itemsfollowing any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustivelisting of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listeditem or items. It should also be noted that as used in the presentdisclosure and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and“the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the followingdescription, throughout the specification discussions utilizing termssuch as “processing,” “calculating,” “computing,” “determining,”“generating,” “setting,” “configuring,” “selecting,” “defining,”“applying,” “obtaining,” “monitoring,” “providing,” “identifying,”“segmenting,” “classifying,” “analyzing,” “associating,” “extracting,”“storing,” “receiving,” “transmitting,” or the like, include actionsand/or processes of a computer that manipulate and/or transform datainto other data, the data represented as physical quantities, forexample such as electronic quantities, and/or the data representingphysical objects. The terms “computer,” “processor,” “controller,”“processing unit,” “computing unit,” and “processing module” should beexpansively construed to cover any kind of electronic device, componentor unit with data processing capabilities, including, by way ofnon-limiting example, a personal computer, a wearable computer, smartglasses, a tablet, a smartphone, a server, a computing system, a cloudcomputing platform, a communication device, a processor (for example,digital signal processor (DSP), an image signal processor (ISR), amicrocontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a central processing unit (CPA), agraphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and soon), possibly with embedded memory, a single core processor, a multicore processor, a core within a processor, any other electroniccomputing device, or any combination of the above.

The operations in accordance with the teachings herein may be performedby a computer specially constructed or programmed to perform thedescribed functions.

As used herein, the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “for instance” andvariants thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of the presentlydisclosed subject matter. Reference in the specification to features of“embodiments,” “one case,” “some cases,” “other cases” or variantsthereof means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed may be included in at least one embodiment of the presentlydisclosed subject matter. Thus the appearance of such terms does notnecessarily refer to the same embodiment(s). As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

Features of the presently disclosed subject matter, are, for brevity,described in the context of particular embodiments. However, it is to beunderstood that features described in connection with one embodiment arealso applicable to other embodiments. Likewise, features described inthe context of a specific combination may be considered separateembodiments, either alone or in a context other than the specificcombination.

In embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, one or morestages illustrated in the figures may be executed in a different orderand/or one or more groups of stages may be executed simultaneously andvice versa. The figures illustrate a general schematic of the systemarchitecture in accordance embodiments of the presently disclosedsubject matter. Each module in the figures can be made up of anycombination of software, hardware and/or firmware that performs thefunctions as defined and explained herein. The modules in the figuresmay be centralized in one location or dispersed over more than onelocation.

Examples of the presently disclosed subject matter are not limited inapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The subject matter may be practiced or carried out in variousways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein is for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

In this document, an element of a drawing that is not described withinthe scope of the drawing and is labeled with a numeral that has beendescribed in a previous drawing may have the same use and description asin the previous drawings.

The drawings in this document may not be to any scale. Different figuresmay use different scales and different scales can be used even withinthe same drawing, for example different scales for different views ofthe same object or different scales for the two adjacent objects.

Consistent with disclosed embodiments, “at least one processor” mayconstitute any physical device or group of devices having electriccircuitry that performs a logic operation on an input or inputs. Forexample, the at least one processor may include one or more integratedcircuits (IC), including application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC),microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors, all or part of a centralprocessing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signalprocessor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), server, virtualserver, or other circuits suitable for executing instructions orperforming logic operations. The instructions executed by at least oneprocessor may, for example, be pre-loaded into a memory integrated withor embedded into the controller or may be stored in a separate memory.The memory may include a Random-Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory(ROM), a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetic medium, a flash memory,other permanent, fixed, or volatile memory, or any other mechanismcapable of storing instructions. In some embodiments, the at least oneprocessor may include more than one processor. Each processor may have asimilar construction, or the processors may be of differingconstructions that are electrically connected or disconnected from eachother. For example, the processors may be separate circuits orintegrated in a single circuit. When more than one processor is used,the processors may be configured to operate independently orcollaboratively. The processors may be coupled electrically,magnetically, optically, acoustically, mechanically or by other meansthat permit them to interact.

Disclosed embodiments may include and/or access a data structure. A datastructure consistent with the present disclosure may include anycollection of data values and relationships among them. The data may bestored linearly, horizontally, hierarchically, relationally,non-relationally, uni-dimensionally, multidimensionally, operationally,in an ordered manner, in an unordered manner, in an object-orientedmanner, in a centralized manner, in a decentralized manner, in adistributed manner, in a custom manner, or in any manner enabling dataaccess. By way of non-limiting examples, data structures may include anarray, an associative array, a linked list, a binary tree, a balancedtree, a heap, a stack, a queue, a set, a hash table, a record, a taggedunion, ER model, and a graph. For example, a data structure may includean XML database, an RDBMS database, an SQL database or NoSQLalternatives for data storage/search such as, for example, MongoDB,Redis, Couchbase, Datastax Enterprise Graph, Elastic Search, Splunk,SoIr, Cassandra, Amazon DynamoDB, Scylla, HBase, and Neo4J. A datastructure may be a component of the disclosed system or a remotecomputing component (e.g., a cloud-based data structure). Data in thedata structure may be stored in contiguous or non-contiguous memory.Moreover, a data structure, as used herein, does not require informationto be co-located. It may be distributed across multiple servers, forexample, that may be owned or operated by the same or differententities. Thus, the term “data structure” as used herein in the singularis inclusive of plural data structures.

Exemplary embodiments generally relate to wireless communication tagsconfigured to be embedded within, attached to, or otherwise associatedwith physical items in order to digitally represent each item on anexemplary digital platform. In some embodiments, an exemplary tag may beconfigured to harvest ambient energy and to use the harvested energy tosend an identification signal to a receiver. The identification signalmay include various types of data, including product, location, history,status, ownership, and/or characteristic data. Such data may be conveyedto a receiver associated with various types of platforms, depending onintended use. The platform may be, for example, a software program,running on one or more servers, for accomplishing one or more types ofproduct tracking and/or authentication. Examples of platforms with whichdisclosed embodiments may be employed include, but are not limited to,inventory management systems in business establishments such as storesand warehouses; kitchen management systems, for tracking supplies and/ortools; appliance management systems for tracking tagged materials usedwithin or in connection with appliances; manufacturing systems fortracking components used during the manufacture of products;transportation and distribution systems for tracking parcels and otherdeliverables through transit and delivery; other supply chainmanagement; wardrobe management systems for tracking clothing itemsstored in wardrobes and closets; clothing laundering systems fortracking the cleaning of clothing items and/or receipt of clothing to belaundered and the return of clothing to either a customer or adesignated location such as a closet or wardrobe; food delivery systems;systems for managing ownership of goods transferred to differing owners;systems for authenticating goods to prevent counterfeiting; vehicletracking systems; systems for tracking materials and or persons invehicles and/or in public and private domains; waste management systems;and all other systems where it may be beneficial to track and/orauthenticate people, animals, or objects.

In some embodiments, the exemplary tag may be configured to harvestenergy without a designated battery and to operate, in both an activetransmission state and an idle state, while consuming minimum amounts ofpower. Advantageously, the configuration of the exemplary tag may enableradio performance comparable to commercial battery-powered devices, at apower envelope comparable to a passive RFID device.

FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of exemplary wireless tags1100 a and 1100 b in an environment of a security gate, such as anElectronic Article Surveillance (EAS) gate 1110, 1112. In someembodiments, one or both of tags 1100 a and 1100 b may be wirelessidentification tags. Tag 1100 a may be embedded, sewn, clipped,attached, or otherwise incorporated into an object, such as clothingitem 1106. Tag 1100 b may be attached to, or otherwise incorporatedwith, an item purchased or otherwise procured by user 1104 and heldwithin bag 1122. Tags 1100 a and 1100 b may be configured to receivewireless signals, such as signal 1118. Signal 1118 may be produced by anexternal system or device, such as EAS transmitter 1116, which may forma part of EAS gate 1110, 1112. In some embodiments, one or both of tags1100 a and 1100 b may be configured to receive gate signal 1118 and, inresponse, to generate and output a signal having a frequency differentfrom the frequency of gate signal 1118. For example, tag 1100 a mayoutput signal 1102 a upon receiving gate signal 1118, and tag 1100 b mayoutput signal 1102 b upon receiving gate signal 1118. In someembodiments, one or both of signals 1102 a and 1102 b may have afrequency within a frequency band around 2.4 GHz such that signals 1102a and 1102 b are not detected by EAS sensor 1120 and therefore do nottrigger alarm 1114 of EAS gate 1110, 1112.

In some embodiments, the exemplary system of FIG. 1 may include at leastone receiver/exciter device 1124 configured to receive broadcasts ofsignals from a plurality of wireless tags (such as signals 1102 a and1102 b) and also configured to deliver energy to be collected and storedby the wireless tags in order to power the wireless tags, as discussedin detail below. For example, device 1124 may include a transceiver, arouter, a duplexer, or any other device configured to both transmit andreceive signals. In some alternative embodiments, such as the exemplaryclothing retail establishment depicted in FIG. 13A, the system mayinclude a plurality of receivers 11300 a-h configured to receivebroadcasts of signals from the wireless tags, as well as exciters 13400configured to deliver energy to be collected and stored by the wirelesstags. However, persons of ordinary skill will understand that exemplarysystems described herein may include only receiver/exciter devices (suchas device 1124), only receiver devices and exciter devices (such asreceivers 11300 and exciters 13400), or any desired combination thereof.Additionally, persons of ordinary skill will understand that exemplaryexciters and receivers described herein (such as receivers 11300 andexciters 13400) may be implemented as separate devices and/or ascombination receiver/exciter devices (such as receiver/exciter device1124), and vice versa.

In some embodiments, the exemplary wireless tag may include at least oneantenna, at least one transmitter, and at least one circuit. The atleast one antenna, the at least one transmitter, and the at least onecircuit may be provided on a flexible substrate. A substrate may be astructure on or in which components such as the at least one antenna,the at least one transmitter, and the at least one circuit may bedisposed. The substrate may be flexible, such that when encountering aforce, the substrate may be configured to be deformable in one or moredirections. For example, a flexible substrate may be one that allows thecomponents affixed thereto to conform to a desired shape, or to flexduring its use. Materials suitable for the flexible substrate mayinclude, but are not limited to, various types of paper, various typesof fabric, various types of plastics including, but not limited to,polyester (PET), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN),polyetherimide (PEI), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), along with variousfluoropolymers (FEP) and copolymers and/or any other substrate capableof at least in part conforming to a desired shape or flexing during use.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication tag1100, which may include an EAS coil 2110, a 900 MHz antenna 2112, a 2.4GHz antenna 2114, a multi-source harvester 2102, a transmitter 2104, agate detection circuit 2106, and an energy storage circuit 2108, some orall of which may be formed on a substrate 2120. Substrate 2120 may beflexible such that the tag may function despite flexing or movement thatmight occur, for example, when the tag is affixed and/or embedded into apiece of clothing, such as the various products illustrated in FIGS.4-8, which are discussed below.

Various embodiments of the wireless tag may include an adhesive layerfor affixation to a product. The wireless tag, in some embodiments, maybe affixed, or otherwise disposed on products or packings of products.This affixation may be aided by one or more adhesive layers. Embodimentsof adhesive layer may include glue of various types, tape, cement, wax,mucilage, paste, epoxy, sealants, elastomer, and other suitablematerials that may promote cohesion between surfaces. By way of examplewith reference to FIG. 2, tag 1100 may include a substrate 2120 thatsupports its electronic components and may also include an adhesivelayer 2122 that may be positioned on a side of the substrate layeropposite the electronic components, or in cases where the electroniccomponents are encapsulated between two or more layers of the substrate,the adhesive layer may be positioned on either side of the multi-layersubstrate. Adhesive layer 2120 may enable the tag to be bound to certainitems, such as hanging tag 6100 in FIG. 6 or product 8000 in FIG. 8.

Disclosed embodiments may also include at least one material layer, suchas a fabric layer, that at least partially encapsulates the wirelesstag, the material layer configured for affixation by sewing.Alternatively, the tag may be connectable to the fabric by bonding or byincorporation into a pocket. The fabric may include any material thatcan be used in a garment, accessory, or any other object that employsfabric. The fabric may be woven, non-woven, fibrous, or non-fibrous. Itmay include any suitable material, including but not limited to silk,wool, linen, cotton, rayon, nylon, polyester, or inorganic material andrubber, plastic, manmade or natural, spunbound/spunlace, airlaid,drylaid, wetlaid, vinyl, sheet material or any other layer. In someembodiments, fabric may be flexible or deformable.

In some embodiments, the wireless tag may be incorporated into layers ofthe material. The wireless tag may be partially incorporated, where aportion of the wireless tag may be exposed or uncovered. Alternatively,the wireless tag may be completely incorporated, where the wireless tagmay be completely surrounded by the fabric. In some embodiments, thewireless tag may be partially or completely incorporated into the fabricby sewing. FIG. 3 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of anencapsulated wireless tag in fabric. For example, tag 1100, as depicted,is encapsulated in fabric pocket 3000. FIG. 5 further illustrates aplacement of fabric pocket 3000, containing tag 1100 on product 5000,such as a garment.

As used herein, partially encapsulating the wireless tag may includepositioning at least one material layer around the wireless tag suchthat the wireless tag is fixed with a certain point or area, relative tothe material layer. The material layer may include fabric, othertextiles, or any other material that may suitably be affixed to anothermaterial through sewing, such as leather, rubber, paper materials, andthe like. By way of example, FIG. 3 illustrates tag 1100 encapsulatedwithin fabric pocket 3000. Fabric pocket 3000 may then be sewn intojacket 5000 depicted in FIG. 5 so that the wireless tag becomes affixedto jacket 5000.

FIGS. 4-8 illustrate non-limiting embodiments of products incorporatingtags 1100. For example, FIG. 4 depicts a garment, such as a dress 4000with a garment tag 4100; garment tag 4100 may be a care tag (forexample, with instructions for cleaning dress 4000) and/or a tagspecifying the size and brand of the dress 4000. In the example of FIG.4, tag 1100 may be sewn or otherwise affixed to the garment tag 4100.For example, tag 1100 may be encapsulated within fabric pocket 3000,which may be sewn to the garment tag 4100.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of an exemplary tag 1100 encapsulatedwithin the fabric pocket 3000, which is sewn into a clothing item 5000(e.g., a jacket). FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary tag 1100 on a hanginglabel 6100, which may be attached to product such as a pair of pants6000. In another non-limiting embodiment as depicted in FIG. 7, tag 1100may be affixed to a product such as a t-shirt 7000 by being placedbetween layers of the t-shirt, such that tag 1100 may be hidden fromview. By way of another example, as depicted in FIG. 8, tag 1100 may beadhered to product packaging, such as a container 8000. Garments and acontainer are illustrated for illustrative purposes only. As previouslydescribed, the tag can be associated in virtually any way with virtuallyany item. For example, as described above, the tag may be adhered toproduct packaging either on the outside of the package or on the inside.In some embodiments, the tag may be adhered to packaging material oranother internal portion of the packaging adjacent to the product placedinside the package.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict block diagrams of exemplary system architecturefor wireless identification tag 1100. In some embodiments, the exemplarytag 1100 may be configured to harvest energy in multiple frequencybands, and to power operation thereof using the harvested energy. Forexample, tag 1100 may include one antenna for harvesting energy, twoantennae for harvesting energy, three antennae for harvesting energy, orany other number of antennae to harvest energy in a desired number offrequency bands. In some embodiments, tag 1100 may be configured toharvest energy in a frequency band around 900 MHz VWV ISM (e.g., anultra-high frequency RFID band between 860 MHz and 960 MHz). Forexample, FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the tag architecture of tag1100 with an antenna 2112 tuned to receive energy in a frequency below 1GHz (e.g., energy in a frequency band around 900 MHz) and to conveyreceived energy to a 900 MHz harvester 9012. Additionally, oralternatively, the exemplary tag may be configured to harvest energy ina frequency band around 2.4 GHz VWV ISM (e.g., ambient and intentionalenergy sources around 2.45 GHz, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi). Forexample, the exemplary tag architecture depicted in FIG. 9 mayadditionally include an antenna 2114 tuned to receive energy in afrequency band around 2.4 GHz, and to convey received energy to a 2.4GHz harvester 9014. In some embodiments, harvested energy may beconveyed to a power manager 9010, which may store energy in an energystorage circuit 2108 or provide the harvested energy to powertransmission of signals from the tag to one or more receivers.

In some embodiments, an exemplary wireless communication tag 1100 mayinclude at least one transmitter configured to transmit a signal fromthe tag to one or more receivers. For example, tag 1100 may transmit aunique ID signal (optionally, along with status indicators and/or otherdata) in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz VWV ISM. In some embodiments,an antenna configured to harvest energy may additionally be configuredto transmit the tag's signal. For example, transmitter 2104 depicted inFIG. 9 may be configured to transmit signals having a frequency around2.4 GHz using antenna 2114; thus, antenna 2114 may be configured to bothharvest energy and to transmit tag signals. The exemplary tag 1100 mayadditionally include a switch 9034 configured to control the behavior ofantenna 2114 and to cause antenna 2114 to switch between a transmissionmode and an energy harvesting mode (e.g., under control of a beaconcontroller 9030 of transmitter 2104). In some alternative embodiments,the exemplary tag 1100 may include a signal transmitter that isconnected to an additional antenna, separate from the energy harvestingantennae.

In some embodiments, the exemplary wireless communication tag 1100 mayinclude at least one antenna configured to detect electromagneticfields, including fields generated by EAS systems. In some embodiments,the antenna for detecting electromagnetic fields may include at leastone coil. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 9, tag 1100 mayinclude EAS coil 2110. Additionally, or alternatively, other types ofantennae for detecting electromagnetic fields may be incorporated in tag1100. Tag 1100 may include one antenna for detecting electromagneticfields, two antennae for detecting electromagnetic fields, threeantennae for detecting electromagnetic fields, or any other number ofantennae to detect a desired number of electromagnetic fields.

In some embodiments, EAS coil 2110 may be configured to detectelectromagnetic fields operating in one or more predetermined frequencybands. For example, EAS coil 2110 may be configured to detect fields ina frequency band between 7-13 MHz and fields in a frequency band between58-60 kHz. As illustrated in FIG. 10, EAS coil 2110 may include a tuningcapacitor 10200 controlled by controller 9020 to tune coil 2110 betweena mode for detecting fields in a first frequency band (e.g., 7-13 MHz)and a mode for detecting fields in a second frequency band (e.g., 58-60kHz). In some embodiments, EAS coil 2110 may be configured not toactivate a nearby EAS gate, even when coil 2110 detects an incident EASfield. That is, unlike traditional EAS tags that emit a detectablesignal (or create a detectable interference) when they receive anincident EAS field, coil 2110 may be configured to detect the EAS fieldwithout emitting a signal that will trigger the EAS gate alarm. In someembodiments, EAS coil 2110 may detect an incident electromagnetic fieldand gate detection circuit 2106 may determine if the field is receivedfrom an EAS gate (for example, if the field is in a frequency bandbetween 7-13 MHz or between 58-60 kHz). When an EAS field is detected,circuit 2106 may output an EAS detection signal to controller 9020,which may alter one or more signal transmission parameters of thetransmitter 2104 in response to detection of the EAS field, as discussedbelow.

Harvesting energy from multiple sources, in multiple frequency bands, asdescribed above, may provide several benefits for the exemplary tag.First, different frequency bands may have varying regulatory limits indifferent jurisdictions, allowing the tag to supplement its energyharvesting in a second band if there is insufficient power to beharvested in a first band. In addition, harvesting energy from multiplesources may also enable the exemplary tag to adapt its behavior,including the ID signal being transmitted by transmitter 2104, based ona context in which the tag is operating. In some embodiments, the tag'stop-level controller 9020 may be configured to determine the type ofenergy being received by the tag and to control the operation oftransmitter 2104 based on the type of energy received. For example,controller 9020 may be configured to determine when antenna 2112receives energy in at least one predetermined frequency band (e.g.,energy in a frequency below 1 GHz or energy in a frequency band around900 MHz) and to control transmitter 2104 to operate in a firsttransmission mode based on the determination. Additionally, oralternatively, controller 9020 may be configured to determine whenantenna 2114 receives energy in at least one predetermined frequencyband (e.g., energy in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz) and to controltransmitter 2104 to operate in a second transmission mode based on thedetermination. Additionally, or alternatively, controller 9020 may beconfigured to determine when EAS coil 2110 receives energy in at leastone predetermined frequency band (e.g., energy in a frequency bandbetween 7-13 MHz and/or energy in a frequency band between 58-60 kHz)and to control transmitter 2104 to operate in a third transmission modebased on the determination. Advantageously, the tag may be configured toidentify its environment based on the frequency of incident energy andto adjust its behavior, including the control parameters of transmitter2104, according to the identified environment.

In some embodiments, the exemplary tag may be configured to store energylocally (e.g., in energy storage circuit 2108) and to transmit only itsunique ID signal in some embodiments (rather than, for example, a signalwith large amounts of data). This may reduce the amount of powerrequired to operate the transmitter, and the digital content of the tagas a whole, to levels much lower than those of prior, battery-drivendevices. For example, the exemplary tag may consume around 500 μA orless in an active state (e.g., while transmitter 2104 transmits one ormore signals) and may only require an idle current on the order ofnanoamperes. Additionally, or alternatively, the exemplary tag may beconfigured to power transmitter 2104 to actively transmit unsynchronizedBluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals at around −10 dBm using onlyharvested energy, without the need for a battery or other power source.The foregoing examples are for non-limiting illustrative purposes only.Devices that use significantly more or less energy are also within thescope of this disclosure.

Advantageously, low levels of required power may enable the tag'stransmitter 2104 to achieve a transmission range of 10 meters or moreand, in embodiments in which the tag transmits unsynchronized BLEsignals, may enable more reliable reception of the tag's transmittedsignal than signals transmitted by RFID devices. This is driven mainlyby the use of Backscatter reception techniques in RFID protocols, whichmakes them significantly more sensitive to environmental interference,reflections and blocking, as compared to other communications protocols,such as BLE. For example, in some embodiments a reader receiving thetransmissions of the exemplary wireless communication tag may achievereceiver sensitivity levels of between −93 to −96 dBm, which is around10 dB better than prior RFID reader chips.

FIG. 11 is a network diagram of an exemplary wireless identificationsystem 11000 configured for use with wireless identification tags 1100.By way of example, wireless identification system 11000 may beestablished within, or otherwise associated with, at least one retailestablishment. System 11000 may include network 11002, which may enablethe exchange of data and/or information between elements of the systemsuch as processor(s) 11004, data structure(s) 11006, user device(s)11008, and receiver(s) 11300 a-g. Network 11002 may include any type ofwired and/or wireless computer networking arrangement configured forexchanging data.

In some embodiments, system 11000 may include at least one processor11004 configured to receive, store, and process information related towireless identification tags 1100, receive and execute queries andsearches, communicate with databases (e.g., data structure(s) 11006)and/or networks, relay information to users (e.g., via user device(s)11008), provide notifications, and/or provide alerts, etc. The at leastone processor 11004 may include any physical device or group of deviceshaving electric circuitry that performs a logic operation on input orinputs, such as an integrated circuit (IC), application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), microchips, microcontrollers,microprocessors, all or part of a central processing unit (CPU),graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP),field-programmable gate array (FPGA), server, virtual server, or othercircuits suitable for executing instructions or performing logicoperations. The instructions executed by the at least one processor11004 may, for example, be pre-loaded into a memory integrated with orembedded into the controller or may be stored in a separate memory, suchas data structure(s) 11006.

Wireless identification system 11000 may include at least one datastructure 11006. In some disclosed embodiments, data structures 11006may include at least one database, such as a local database for storinglocal information related with a particular facility or the store, aregional database, or a global database. Data structures 11006 may beconfigured to store data including, but not limited to, informationrelated with an electronic tag (such as wireless tag 1100), an encryptedtag ID, information of a product corresponding to or associated with aspecific tag 1100, product location, ownership history, a transactionhistory, owner information, manufacturer information, the decrypted tagID of a specific tag 1100, an encryption key associated with a specifictag 1100, an inventory of the plurality of wireless tags 1100, the tagIDs of the plurality of wireless tags 1100, or a product ID associatedwith each tag ID. Information stored in data structures 11006 may beaccessible to one or more processors 11004 directly or indirectlythrough network 11002.

Wireless identification system 11000 may include a plurality ofreceivers 11300 a-h configured to receive broadcasts of signals fromwireless tags 1100 and to exchange data and/or information with network11002. Receivers 11300 a-h may be configured to receive one or moreidentification signals from tags 1100 and to transmit data of thereceived identification signals (e.g., a tag ID specified by theidentification signal and/or a strength or power level of the signal) tonetwork 11002. In some embodiments, and as discussed above, receivers11300 a-h may also be configured as exciters for delivering energy to becollected and stored by the wireless tags 1100. However, persons ofordinary skill will understand that exemplary system 11000 may includereceiver/exciter devices (such as device 1124), separate receiverdevices and exciter devices, or any desired combination thereof.

Wireless identification system 11000 may include at least one userdevice 11008 configured for wired and/or wireless communication withnetwork 11002. User device 11008 may include a cellular phone,smartphone, tablet, desktop, laptop, PDA, handheld scanner, wearabledevice, or other mobile computing device having computer programs(examples of applications) for controlling the operations of device11008. User device 11008 may be configured to receive a user input andto transmit a corresponding signal to network 11002. Additionally, oralternatively, user device 11008 may include at least one user interface11010 configured to output a notification signal to the user, such as anaudible signal, a visual signal, a haptic signal, or another sensorysignal; examples of a user interface 11010 may include a display screenor a speaker.

For example, a user may create a query about a particular product in aretail establishment by using device 11008 to scan a wireless tag 1100associated with the product. User device 11008 may transmit the query toprocessor 11004 via network 11002. Processor 11004 may then perform alook up and locate the information pertaining to the scanned tag 1100 inthe data structure 11006; the information may include, e.g., theproduct's size and color, price data, location within the retailestablishment, manufacturing history, laundry instructions, productimages, or any other characteristic of the product. The informationpertaining to the scanned tag 1100 may be transmitted to user device11008 via network 11002 and outputted to the user via user interface11010.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of components for harvesting and storingambient energy in a wireless identification tag 1100. As discussedabove, wireless tag 1100 may include an energy storage circuit 2108having a storage capacitor 10300 configured to store the ambient energyharvested by tag 1100. Tag 1100 may also include a 900 MHz harvester9012 configured to harvest energy in a frequency band around 900 MHz VWVISM (e.g., an ultra-high frequency RFID band between 860 MHz and 960MHz). Additionally, or alternatively, tag 1100 may include a 2.4 GHzharvester 9014 configured to harvest energy in a frequency band around2.4 GHz VWV ISM (e.g., ambient and intentional energy sources around2.45 GHz, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi). Storage capacitor 10300 may beelectrically connected through the circuitry illustrated in FIG. 12 to900 MHz harvester 9012 and 2.4 GHz harvester 9014 in order to storeambient energy received by those harvesters. While illustrated as asingle capacitor in FIG. 12, there may be multiple storage capacitorsfor storing ambient energy.

Tag 1100 may additionally include transfer capacitors 12100 and 12102disposed between 900 MHz harvester 9012 and energy storage circuit 2108,as well as transfer capacitors 12104 and 12106 disposed between 2.4 GHzharvester 9014 and energy storage circuit 2108. Transfer capacitors12100-12106 may also be configured for collecting and storing theambient energy harvested by tag 1100. At least one of the transfercapacitors 12100-12106 may have a lower capacitance than storagecapacitor 10300: in some embodiments, the capacitance of the at leastone of the transfer capacitors 12100-12106 may be less than 1 nF (e.g.,less than 100 pF), while storage capacitor 10300 may be configured tohave a capacitance of at least 10 nF (e.g., at least 100 nF).

In various embodiments, the circuitry depicted in FIG. 12 mayinterconnect the harvesters 9012 and 9014, storage capacitor 10300, andtransfer capacitors 12100-12106 in a manner such that ambient energyharvested by either of the harvesters 9012 and 9014 may be initiallystored in at least one of the transfer capacitors 12100-12106 andsubsequently transferred to and stored in storage capacitor 10300. Insome embodiments, ambient energy of around 900 MHz may be collected byharvester 9012 and initially stored in one or both of the transfercapacitors 12100 and 12102. For example, transfer capacitor 12100 maycollect ambient energy until it is full, and then transfer capacitor12102 may begin to collect ambient energy. Alternatively, transfercapacitors 12100 and 12102 may take turns to collect ambient energy.Operations of transfer capacitors 12104 and 12106 may be substantiallysimilar to that of transfer capacitor 12100 and 12102 and may also taketurns to collect ambient energy. Thus, in various embodiments, thetransfer capacitors 12100-12106 may be configured for temporarilystoring ambient energy collected in the form of electrical energy, andthe storage capacitor 10300 may be configured as the main store of thecollected ambient energy in a form of electrical energy.

In some embodiments, tag 1100 may include an inductor 12140interconnecting storage capacitor 10300 and transfer capacitors12100-12106. The inductor 12140, storage capacitor 10300, and transfercapacitors 12100-12106 may be interconnected by a series of switchesconfigured to connect/disconnect these components to and from eachother. As illustrated in FIG. 12, tag 1100 may include switches 12120and 12122 configured to connect 900 MHz harvester 9012 to one oftransfer capacitors 12100 and 12102; switches 12124 and 12126 configuredto connect 2.4 GHz harvester 9014 to one of transfer capacitors 12104and 12106; switches 12130 and 12132 configured to connect inductor 12140to one of transfer capacitors 12100, 12102, 12104, and 12106; and switch12134 configured to connect/disconnect inductor 12140 to storagecapacitor 10300.

Switches 12130 and 12132 may connect transfer capacitors 12100-12106 andinductor 12140 during a time period when ambient energy collected in thetransfer capacitors is being transferred for storage in storagecapacitor 10300. At the end of the transfer period, switches 12130 and12132 may disconnect the transfer capacitors from inductor 12140 toprevent energy from flowing back to the transfer capacitors. The end ofthe transfer period may be based on an LC characteristic of transfercapacitors 12100-12106 and inductor 12140, timed such that most of theenergy from transfer capacitors 12100-12106 has flowed to inductor 12140when the transfer period is ended.

The inclusion of inductor 12140, connected by the aforementionedswitches, as an intermediary between transfer capacitors 12100-12106 andstorage capacitor 10300 may mitigate the issue of unwanted energydischarge by helping to isolate the storage capacitor 10300. Forexample, in the absence of inductor 12140, the energy from one capacitor(e.g., storage capacitor 10300) will flow to another capacitor (e.g., atleast one of transfer capacitors 12100-12106) until the voltages of thecapacitors equalize. This situation results in inefficient energystorage, since the voltage of storage capacitor 10300 would be limitedby the voltage of the at least one of the transfer capacitors12100-12106, which in turn would limit the amount of energy the storagecapacitor 10300 may store (since, if the voltage of the storagecapacitor is higher than the transfer capacitor, energy will flow awayfrom the storage capacitor and into the transfer capacitor to equalizethe voltages). By providing inductor 12140, a different energytransferring mechanism may occur.

In some embodiments, inductor 12140 and storage capacitor 10300 may forma harmonic oscillator when connected together, such that the energy ofstorage capacitor 10300 may flow between the inductor and the capacitoras an oscillation while switch 12134 is closed. Taking advantage of theoscillation, switch 12134 may be timed to disconnect the inductor 12140and storage capacitor 10300 at a time when most of the energy has flowedfrom the inductor 12140 to storage capacitor 10300, trapping most of theenergy in the storage capacitor.

With this configuration, energy may be continuously transferred from thetransfer capacitors 12100-12106 to the storage capacitor 10300, even ifthe storage capacitor has a higher voltage level than the transfercapacitors. Inductor 12130 may be connected to storage capacitor 10300via switch 12134. When switches 12130 and 12132 connect inductor 12140to any one of transfer capacitors 12100-12106, energy stored in thesecapacitors may be transferred to inductor 12140 via an oscillation asdescribed previously through careful timing of the switches. Similarly,inductor 12140 may subsequently transfer its energy to storage capacitor10300 via an oscillation.

According to some embodiments, the wireless identification tag 1100 mayinclude at least one circuit configured to generate control signals tocommand the switching operations of switches 12120-12126, 12130/12132,and 12134. The aforementioned circuit may be designed to generate thecontrol signals with specific timing so that ambient energy can betransferred from harvesters 9012 and 9014 to transfer capacitors12100-12106, then to inductor 12140, and then to storage capacitor10300.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a retail establishment, which maycontain a plurality of items 13210, each of which may be fixed to orotherwise associated with a wireless tag 1100. Within this exemplaryestablishment, there may be one or more locations designated for certainpurposes, such as the storage and/or display of a particular item or thefacilitation of other activities relating to operation of theestablishment. For example, the establishment may contain rack 13250 andshelf 13240 that are designated for the storage and/or display of acertain item, such as a particular article of clothing. Theestablishment may also include other locations, such as fitting room13230, that are not associated with the storage and/or display of itemsbut enable customers to perform certain activities within theestablishment, such as trying on different clothing items. Disclosedembodiments may provide systems, such as wireless identification system11000 in FIG. 11, and methods that enable, for example, theidentification and purchase of a particular item 13210.

FIGS. 13B-13D depict exemplary operation modes of a wirelesscommunication tag within the retail space illustrated in FIG. 13A. It isto be understood that the subject matter discussed below is merelyexemplary and should not be regarded as limiting. The principlesdiscussed below are applicable to the numerous other platforms listedearlier. FIG. 13B illustrates tag 1100 operating in a first modereferred to herein as “infrastructure-excitable mode” (an example ofwhich may include a store mode). FIG. 13C illustrates tag 1100 operatingin a second mode referred to herein as “user-excitable mode” (an exampleof which may include an Internet of Things (IoT) mode). FIG. 13Dillustrates tag 1100 operating in a third mode referred to herein as“gate mode.”

Tag 1100 may be configured to operate in the infrastructure-excitablemode of FIG. 13B when the tag is powered by environmental exciters, suchas exciters 13400 arranged throughout the establishment. In this mode,for example, a location where goods are stored or presented for sale cankeep track of its inventory. Each tag on each item can broadcast an ID,letting the system know it is still present in the establishment.Location tracking might also augment such a system so that not only isthe presence of the item tracked, but also its location. For example,the strength of the ID signal received might indicate an approximatelocation of the item relative to a particular receiver, or multiplereceives might be used to identify a more precise location, based on,for example, triangulation. Additional information stored in a systemdatabase might provide added value to a user. For example, the historyof an item's movement or ownership might be stored in a database, alongwith characteristics of the item. Thus, the transmission of a single IDfrom a tag, might provide a user with rich information when coupled withprestored data about the item. In some embodiments, additionalcharacterizing data may be stored on the tag for transmission.

Although FIG. 13B only illustrates a single exciter, tag 1100 may besimultaneously powered by multiple exciters. The exciters 13400(including, for example, exciter 13400 d) may be configured to deliverenergy 13118 a to the tag in an RFID frequency band between 860-960 MHz.Additionally, or alternatively, tag 1100 may receive energy from othersources having a frequency around 900 MHz. Energy 13118 a may bereceived by antenna 2112 and may be stored in the energy storage circuit2108 to power operation of the tag.

When infrastructure-excitable mode is triggered, tag 1100 may controlthe transmitter 2104 to broadcast the tag's ID signal 13102 in afrequency band around 2.4 GHz with a low repetition period. For example,the tag may transmit ID signal 13102 with a minimum repetition period of10 minutes, with an added randomized period of up to five minutes,resulting in one broadcast every 12.5 minutes on average. Alternatively,the repetition period for a tag may be longer or shorter (e.g., lessthan five minutes, hours, or days). In some cases, a transmission of theID signal 13102 may have a duration of around 300 μs; however, thetransmission duration may be longer or shorter in alternativeembodiments.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13D, a plurality of receivers11300 a-h may be arranged throughout an establishment and configured toreceive broadcasts of the ID signals 13102 from all of the wirelesscommunication tags within, or in proximity to, the establishment.Because transmitter 2104 may have a broadcast range of 10 meters or more(e.g., 15 meters in some cases or more), the transmitted ID signal 13102may be received by multiple receivers 11300 e and 11300 f in some cases,thus reducing the probability of signal misdetection. In other cases,one receiver may receive the broadcast of ID signal 13102. When areceiver receives an ID signal 13102 from a tag, the signal may berelayed to one or more processors (such as a processor within theestablishment and/or a remote platform server) for processing, analysis,and/or storage. As discussed above, the exemplary system mayadditionally or alternatively include one or more receiver/exciterdevices, such as device 1124, which may be configured to deliver energy13118 a to the wireless communication tags (similar to exciters 13400)and to receive broadcasts of the ID signals 13102 from the wirelesscommunication tags (similar to receivers 11300); that is, device 1124may act both as an exciter and a receiver. In some alternativeembodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13A, exciters13400 and receivers 11300 may be configured as separate devices.

In embodiments in which multiple wireless identification tags are usedwithin the same establishment, three or more channels in the BLEstandard (between 2.400-2.4835 GHz WW ISM) may be used for the tags tobroadcast their respective ID signals to the receivers. For example,each tag may randomly select one of the three advertisement channels pertransmission, or randomly select two of the three advertisement channelsper transmission, or randomly select between one and three of the threeadvertisement channels per transmission. This use of multiple channels,combined with the short duration and low repetition period of eachsignal transmission, may minimize the likelihood of collisions betweendifferent tags' transmissions. In addition, each tag may conserveharvested energy while in the infrastructure-excitable mode due to theinfrequency of signal transmission and the small amount of powerrequired for each transmission.

Tag 1100 may be configured to operate in the user-excitable mode of FIG.13C when the tag receives energy from ambient and intentional 2.4 GHzsources, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices. In some embodiments, auser may trigger the user-excitable mode in a tag 1100 associated with atagged item 13210 by scanning the tag with a 2.4 GHz device, such as asmartphone, tablet, or any other user device 11008 configured totransmit a 2.4 GHz trigger signal 13118 b to the tag. This may permit auser to receive information about the item 13210 based on a scan of itstag. For example, when the scan occurs, an ID may be transmitted to aserver (e.g., either via network infrastructure or via areceiver/transmitter in a device controlled by the user.) The server canthen perform a look up of information and transmit it to the user'sdevice. The user might be enabled to define the type of informationrequested to tailor the output to the user's needs. In an alternativeembodiment, the relevant data may already be stored on the user'sdevice, and the lookup may occur on the user's device instead of beingsent to a server for analysis.

In the example shown in FIG. 13C, the user may activate theuser-excitable mode in tag 1100 within a retail establishment (e.g.,with user device 11008); however, user-excitable mode may be triggeredin other locations and circumstances, such as when a user scans an item(or a shelf of items in their closet) at home using their smartphone, orduring manual inventory scanning (e.g., in a warehouse or other storagefacility).

When user-excitable mode is triggered, tag 1100 may harvest the incident2.4 GHz energy to charge the energy storage circuit 2108. Additionally,when tag 1100 determines that 2.4 GHz energy was received by antenna2114, transmitter 2104 may transmit ID signal 13102 in a frequency bandaround 2.4 GHz. However, beacon controller 9030 may adjust therepetition period of the ID signal to be much faster than the repetitionperiod of the ID signal in the infrastructure-excitable mode. Forexample, transmitter 2104 may broadcast the ID signal 13102 less than 10seconds after the 2.4 GHz signal 13118 b is received by antenna 2114,for a signal duration of about 300 μs. Alternatively, longer or shorterrepetition periods may be implemented in the user-excitable mode. Byimplementing a shorter response period in user-excitable mode, the tagmay provide a prompt response to the user when the user-excitable modeis triggered; in comparison, such a prompt response may not be needed inthe infrastructure-excitable mode. In some embodiments, beaconcontroller 9030 may also lower the transmission power when the tagenters user-excitable mode from infrastructure-excitable mode, in orderto minimize the chances of interference with other devices operating inthe 2.4 GHz frequency band at the same time.

In some embodiments, the tag may broadcast ID signal 13102 back to userdevice 11008 in user-excitable mode. Additionally, or alternatively, thetag may broadcast ID signal 13102 to one or more receivers around theestablishment (e.g., receiver 11300 c in FIG. 13C). In some embodiments,tag transmissions in user-excitable mode may be broadcast over one ofthe three or more BLE channels discussed above, with each tag randomlyselecting one or more of the three channels per transmission.

Tag 1100 may be configured to operate in the gate mode of FIG. 13D whenEAS coil 2110 receives an EAS signal 13118 c from EAS gate 1112, 1114.In some embodiments, EAS signal 13118 c may have a frequency within aband between 7-13 MHz or a band between 58-60 kHz. EAS gate 1112, 1114may be installed near the exit of the establishment and may emit signals13118 c that are more localized than RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or otherradio-frequency transmissions, providing an accurate indication of whena tagged item passes through the gate (rather than merely walking nearthe gate). For example, instead of requiring customers to visit acheckout station or register, the user might be permitted to walk out ofthe store with tagged items. The gate may then read the tags and anidentity of the user, such as through the user's mobile device, and sendan inventory of the items to be purchased to a server which looks up theprices of the items and automatically charges the user's credit or debitaccount, or automatically transfers funds from the user's electronicwallet to the seller.

When gate mode is triggered, beacon controller 9030 may control thetransmitter 2104 to transmit a short, powerful burst of the ID signal13102. For example, transmitter 2104 may transmit the ID signal at itsfull output power for a period of approximately 200 ms, with arepetition period of between 10-80 ms, such that multiple transmissionsoccur during a very short time-frame. The ID signal 13102 may bereceived by a dedicated receiver 11300 h in proximity to the EAS gate;however, the EAS gate itself may not be triggered by the tag 1100 due tothe configuration of EAS coil 2110 and its associated circuitry. In someembodiments, tag 1100 may be configured to operate in the gate mode fora predetermined length of time or for a predetermined number oftransmissions of the ID signal 13102, after which it may revert to thetag's previous operation mode or to a default mode (which may be, forexample, infrastructure-excitable mode).

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C illustrate a few non-limiting examples ofgraphical user interfaces displayed on user device 11008, which may, forexample, be a cell phone. As a generic example, FIG. 14A is provided fordiscussion purposes and illustrates user device 11008 displaying agraphical user interface (GUI) 14100 for conducting an inventory searchby enabling a user to enter data into the GUI 14100, and activating anelement, such as a search button 14006. A search query may be initiatedin many ways, such as by typing search text into a field, by scanning awireless tag 1100 or a related product with a scanner in user device11008, or through the use of a drop-down menu 14200. The drop-down menumay provide the user with selection options in order for the user todefine and/or refine a search. Once the search is defined, search button14006 may be touched on the touch screen of user device 11008 in orderto initiate the search through a wireless transmission to a receiver, aswill be described later in greater detail.

FIG. 14B illustrates user device 11008 displaying a product search GUI14100. A user searching for a particular product or class of productsmay be provided with dropdown menu 14200. The drop-down menu 14200 mayprovide the user with various ways to search for a product, by eitherentering a brand, SKU, inventory number, or model number. Sub-menusmight appear following an initial selection. For example, if the branddrop-down is selected, successive sub-menus might include category,product, size, color, or any other product distinguishingcharacteristic. Product images might appear in the GUI, enabling theuser to select the product of interest. After the product is identified,search button 14006 may be activated by touch.

FIG. 14C provides yet another example of a GUI with an activatablebutton for searching. This example addresses the common scenario where acustomer physically locates a product of interest, such as a clothingitem, however the item is not in the customer's size. Instead ofsearching endlessly for the product in the correct size, the GUI 14100may prompt the user to enter information about the product of interest.In this example, the customer (or employee of the establishment) may beprompted to take a picture of an associated wireless tag 1100 or of thebarcode or QR code on the product identified by the customer. The usermay next be prompted via dropdown menu 14200 to input a desired size,color or other variation of the product. After the search is defined,search button 14006 may be touched to initiate the search.

Following a look up, user device 11008 may return alternative sources ofinformation, depending on the nature of the query, system design and/oruser permissions. For example, the GUI may be caused to display that therequested product is either out of stock or in stock. If the product isout of stock, the GUI might identify a location where the product is instock or may provide an ability to order the product for shipment to thecustomer. If the product is in stock, the GUI might indicate the name ofanother area where the product is located. It may provide a map of theestablishment, indicating a general location of the product. The GUI mayprovide walking directions directing the user to the area of theproduct. In some instances, as the user approaches the product'slocation, the tag 1100 associated with the product may transmit a signaleither directly to user device 11008 or via an infrastructuretransmitter in the establishment, to enable the user to hone-in on theproduct's location.

Depending on the nature of a query and the system design, the protocolfor retrieving information may vary in response to activation of the GUIelement. In various embodiments, user device 11008 may broadcast asignal to tags 1100 in the vicinity, and the tags 1100 may transmittheir responses to user device 11008. In other embodiments, user device11008 may initially transmit the query to an inventory management systemfor initial look up. The inventory management system might return theIDs of products matching the query. Or, if the item is out of stock, theinventory management system might provide that information for displaythrough the GUI. If the product is in stock and a list of matching tagIDs is sent to hand device 11008, a transmitter such as a 2.4 GHztransmitter in device 11008 might send a trigger signal to causewireless tags 1100 in the vicinity to send back their unique tag IDs. Acomparison might occur on the user device or on a remote system, toidentify a match and alert the user. Alternatively, the inventorymanagement system may already have a record of where each product islocated, and rather than having the user device 11008 trigger responsesfrom tags 1100, might instead alert the user device 11008 of the priorknown location. Alternatively or additionally, the user device 11008 maytransmit signals to the inventory management system enabling the systemto determine the location of user device 11008 (in the same manner usedto determine the location of tags 1100), enabling the inventorymanagement system to more accurately direct the user to the specificlocation of the desired products. If that first step is unsuccessful inlocating the physical product, the user device 11008 may only then probetags 1100 in a vicinity.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to systems, methods,devices, and computer readable media for electronic security andperforming inventory control operations. For ease of discussion, in someinstances related embodiments are described below in connection with asystem or method with the understanding that the disclosed aspects ofthe system and method apply equally to each other as well as devices andcomputer readable media. Some aspects of a related method may occurelectronically over a network that is either wired, wireless, or both.Other aspects of such a method may occur using non-electronic means. Inthe broadest sense, the systems, methods, and computer readable mediadisclosed herein are not limited to particular physical and/orelectronic instrumentalities, but rather may be accomplished using manydiffering instrumentalities.

Disclosed embodiments may include an electronic security system forprotecting against theft of products offered for sale, while alsomanaging sales and inventory levels of the products. In retailestablishments such as stores and shopping malls, there is an increaseddemand for “contactless” purchases in which a customer may eitherpurchase a product remotely and visit the establishment to pick-up theproduct, or in which a customer may complete the purchase in theestablishment without interacting with sales staff (e.g., by completingthe purchase on a smartphone, on a mobile device provided by the store,or on a fixed kiosk) and subsequently leaving the establishment with thepurchased product. Methods for contactless shopping are especiallysought-after due to social distancing requirements, since these methodsmay both reduce the number of customers and staff permitted within anestablishment at a given time, as well as limit interactions betweencustomers and staff. Unfortunately, contactless shopping may also leadto increased occurrences of attempted theft from retail establishmentssince thieves may feel emboldened by the reduced presence of sales staffand store security, as well as by the normalcy they provide to the actof leaving the store with goods, without going through a regularcheck-out line or register.

Disclosed embodiments may involve systems, methods, and computerreadable media for securing retail establishments against theft whilealso enabling efficient contactless shopping practices. Embodiments mayinclude an electronic security system for an establishment sellingproducts which have attached to them, or otherwise associated with them,wireless transmitting tags. A customer may purchase a tagged product byusing a device (such as a smartphone or store kiosk) to interact withthe wireless transmitting tag, look up the product it is associatedwith, access information about the associated product, andelectronically purchase the product. Since the transaction may becompleted using the customer's device, no contact with store staff isrequired. Further, completion of the transaction may cause deactivationof an anti-theft alarm or other anti-theft protections so that thecustomer may leave the establishment with the purchased product withoutincident. However, anti-theft alarms and other protections may remainactive for all tagged products that have not been purchased. Thus, if athief tries to take a product from the establishment without purchasingit, the attempted theft may be detected and the anti-theft alarms andother protections may be triggered as a result. Advantageously,disclosed embodiments may protect against the theft of unpurchasedproducts while also providing user-friendly and secure means forcontactless shopping.

Disclosed embodiments may include an electronic security system. As usedherein, an electronic security system may refer to any arrangement ofhardware and software components for detecting and/or signaling anunauthorized intrusion into an area or an attempted robbery, burglary,theft, pilferage, or other loss at a designated location. In someembodiments, an electronic security system may be configured to detectand signal the ingress and/or egress of persons, animals, objects, ormaterials into, out of, or relative to a designated location. Forexample, an electronic security system may include at least one devicefor detecting movement of persons and/or objects, which may indicate anattempted intrusion or an attempted theft of an object. Examples of adevice for detecting movement may include an imaging device, microphone,passive infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, electromagnetic orradiofrequency detector (e.g., an EAS device, RFID device, microwavesensor, etc.), GPS, or any other suitable means for detecting movementof persons, animals, objects, or materials. The device for detectingmovement may be situated at one or more locations within or around anarea to be protected, such as at an entrance or exit, a gate, a door, awindow, a stairwell or elevator, a storage space, at or near a safe,vault, or lock box, in a hallway, in a passage or doorframe betweenrooms, at an outer perimeter of the area to be protected, or at anyother location where detecting movement of persons and/or objects isdesired to safeguard an area.

Additionally, or alternatively, an exemplary electronic security systemmay be configured to control movement of persons and objects into and/orout of a designated area, in order to safeguard the area and persons andobjects therein. For example, an electronic security system may includecomponents for controlling movement of persons and objects throughentryways and other control points; examples of such components mayinclude identification (ID) readers, door controllers, turnstiles,request to exit (REX) devices, door position switches/sensors, lockingmechanisms, password or pin code input devices, or any other suitablecomponents for controlling passage of persons or objects through or intoa designated location.

In some embodiments, an electronic security system may be configured todifferentiate between unauthorized or unintended movement of persons orobjects (which may indicate an attempted intrusion or theft) andmovements that are authorized and therefore do not require an alert orremedial action. For example, the electronic security system may detectmovement of a person or object to an unauthorized location (e.g., past asecurity gate at the exit of a retail establishment, or into arestricted area not open to the public) or at an unauthorized orunscheduled time (e.g., while a retail establishment is closed), or bypossession of an object by an unauthorized individual. In someembodiments, an electronic security system may be configured to performone or more actions when an attempted intrusion or theft is detected,such as initiating an alarm, contacting law enforcement or securitypersonnel, documenting the event (e.g., by recording video orphotographs), or limiting access to a designated location (e.g., byautomatically closing doors, engaging bars or other obstacles ordeactivating elevators). The electronic security system may be furtherconfigured to include in the alarm, notification or documentation otherinformation relating to the attempted intrusion or theft, such as anidentity or presumed identity of a person or persons identified orpresumed identified as participating in the event, or an identificationor presumed identification of an object or objects involved in the event(including, but not limited to, an object whose theft is beingattempted, or other objects identified or presumed identified during theevent which are not the subject of the attempted theft or unauthorizedintrusion). The electronic security system may additionally includeother elements, circuitry, circuit components, and systems that may bebeneficial to detect and/or signal an unauthorized intrusion or anattempted robbery, burglary, or theft. An electronic security system mayinclude one or more of the foregoing elements.

In disclosed embodiments, the electronic security system may be providedfor an establishment offering products. As used herein, an establishmentmay include any area, building, or structure in which an inventory ofobjects or materials may be stored or maintained, such as, for example,a retail establishment, store, warehouse, distribution center, logisticscenter, fulfillment center, manufacturing area, shipping area, storagearea, home, medical facility, eating establishment, kitchen, or anyother area where it may be beneficial to track items. As used herein, aproduct may include any object or material stored or maintained withinan establishment, as discussed above. By way of non-limiting examples, aproduct may include food, clothing, shoes, electronics, consumer goods,equipment, vehicles, consumables, packaging, accessories, supplies,materials, artistry, animals, instruments, pallets, containers,pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, commodities, articles, devices, machinery,implements, mechanisms, tools, furniture, or any other object that maybe present in an establishment. In some embodiments, the establishmentmay offer the products for sale, exchange, or barter, for display, forsafekeeping, for storage, for distribution, and/or for complimentarygiveaway.

In disclosed embodiments, the offered products may have associatedwireless transmitting tags. As used herein, a wireless transmitting tagmay include any wirelessly detectable device, such as, for example, aradio-frequency identification (RFID) device, a Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE) beacon device, a device including a microcontroller powered byradio-frequency energy, or any other structure configured to transmitsignals capable of detection. In disclosed embodiments, a wirelesstransmitting tag may include at least one antenna or any othercomponent, circuit and/or device configured for receiving and/oroutputting energy from the air or from any other medium. For example,the wireless transmitting tag may be configured to receive and/or outputelectromagnetic radiation, electric fields, magnetic fields, acousticsignals (such as in sonar applications), or optical signals (such as inlaser applications).

As mentioned above, the offered products may be associated with thewireless transmitting tags. As used herein, to be “associated with” maymean that one wireless transmitting tag may be assigned to, or otherwisepaired or correlated with, one product offered in the establishment forthe purpose of uniquely identifying that product. For example, theassociation between a wireless transmitting tag and an associatedproduct may be stored in a data structure. Information of the wirelesstransmitting tag (e.g., a unique tag identifier such as a serial numberor barcode) may be searched in the data structure and, via theassociation between the tag and the associated product, may be used toaccess information of the associated product from the data structure;information of the associated product may include, e.g., the product'ssize and color, price data, location within the establishment, productimages, ownership information, care instructions, manufacturing time andlocation, or any other characteristic of the product.

In some embodiments, a wireless transmitting tag may be attached to anassociated product through adhesive, embedding, sewing, mounting,bonding, friction fit, pocketing, tying, wrapping, fastening, or anyother type of physical connection. For example, if a product is made offabric, a tag may be sewn into the fabric, embedded between layers offabric, adhered to the fabric, attached to the fabric via a hanging tag,or connected to the fabric in any other way that enables a physicalattachment. In alternative embodiments, an association between awireless transmitting tag and a product may be established and,optionally, stored in a data structure without a physical attachmentbetween the tag and product, such as when a tag is placed in the samepackaging as the product. In some embodiments, the wireless transmittingtag may not require a battery but may operate on harvested energy (asdisclosed herein). In some embodiments the wireless transmitting tag mayinclude a device small enough to be embedded into a product, forexample, clothing, during manufacture. In some embodiments, the embeddedtag may not be readily detected by a wearer. Other embodiments mayremain embedded or attached to a product for long periods of time, forexample, many years. Some embodiments of the wireless transmitting tagmay be resistive to dust and water, such as up to IP67 standards. Otherembodiments may be resistive to washing, drying, dry-cleaning, andironing.

By way of example, FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic security system foran establishment. The electronic security system of FIG. 1 may includeelectronic transmitting tags 1100 a, 1100 b associated with productsoffered for sale in the establishment, such as jacket 1106 and bag 1122,as well as components for detecting and signaling an attempted theft ofthe products. For example, the electronic security system of FIG. 1 mayinclude a security gate 1110, 1112 having transmitters 1116 configuredto transmit wireless signals 1118 to tags 1100 a, 1100 b; at least onereceiver/exciter device 1124 configured to receive broadcasts of signals1102 a, 1102 b from tags 1100 a, 1100 b; and an alarm 1114 that may betriggered when an attempted theft of at least one of products 1106 and1122 is detected.

As another example, FIGS. 13A-13D depict an electronic security systemfor an establishment offering products, such as shirt 13210. In theexamples depicted in FIGS. 1 and 13A-13D, products 1106, 1122, and 13210may be offered for sale and may include a clothing item or bag; however,persons of ordinary skill will understand that products 1106 and 13210may include any product discussed above. As shown in FIG. 13A, product13210 and other products within the establishment may be associated withwireless transmitting tags 1100. For example, each tagged product may beassociated with a different wireless transmitting tag 1100 in order toprovide unique identification of each tagged product. In someembodiments, wireless transmitting tag 1100 may be configured to receivewireless signals, such as signals 13118 a-c, and to output or transmitsignals in response, such as ID signal 13102. The electronic securitysystem may include a plurality of receivers 11300 a-h configured toreceive broadcasts of ID signal 13102 and other signals from thewireless transmitting tags 1100, as well as exciters 13400 a-econfigured to deliver energy to be collected and stored by the wirelesstransmitting tags 1100. In some embodiments, the electronic securitysystem of FIGS. 13A-13D may include an alarm (e.g., an alarm at or nearsecurity gate 1110, 1112) when an attempted theft of a productassociated with an electronic transmitting tag 1100 (e.g., product13210) is detected.

Disclosed embodiments may include inventory control operations. As usedherein, inventory control operations may include systems, methods,techniques, and activities for tracking and controlling products held,stored, processed or offered by an establishment. For example, inventorycontrol operations may include monitoring the inflow and outflow ofproducts from the establishment and monitoring locations where specificproducts are stored or presented for sale in the establishment.Inventory control operations may also include detecting unauthorizedintrusions or attempted robbery or theft of products from anestablishment and, in some embodiments, taking corresponding action suchas initiating an alarm or contacting law enforcement.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one electronic articlesurveillance (EAS) gate. As used herein, an EAS gate may include asurveillance or theft-deterrent system having at least one antenna ortransmitter configured to transmit a wireless signal to a security tagattached to, or otherwise associated with, a product brought intoproximity with the EAS gate. In some embodiments, and in response toreceiving the wireless signal from the EAS gate, the security tag may beconfigured to output a second wireless signal which may be used totrigger an anti-theft alarm; the second wireless signal may, in someembodiments, be detected by a receiver of the EAS gate or a receiver inproximity to, but separate from, the EAS gate. In some embodiments, theEAS gate may include electro-magnetic EAS components, acousto-magnetic(AM) components, radio-frequency (RF) components, or micro-wave (MW)components, among other detection components.

In some embodiments, the antenna or transmitter of the EAS gate may beincorporated within one or more pedestals located near the entrance orexit of the establishment or at another designated location. Forexample, the EAS gate may include one pedestal, two pedestals, threepedestals, or any number of pedestals, based on factors including, butnot limited to, a distance range, space availability, customer trafficor the type of EAS system used. If the EAS gate includes more than onepedestal, the pedestals may be spaced a distance apart to allow patronsto enter and exit the establishment between the pedestals with minimumhindrance, while the pedestals are within a close enough range of eachother to be triggered by a passing tagged product. Additionally, oralternatively, the EAS gate may include a concealed EAS gate, or an EASgate having one or more pedestals installed such that they are notvisible and cause minimal hindrance to the patrons. For example, apedestal may be installed below the floor, above the ceiling, as part ofa doorframe, or behind the walls. Concealed EAS systems may be used, forexample, to enhance the effectiveness of surveillance, enhance theshopping experience for customers, or enhance any other facility wherethe monitoring of objects is desired.

By way of example, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary EAS gate including afirst pedestal 1110 and a second pedestal 1112, each pedestal having atransmitter 1116 configured to transmit an EAS signal 1118 within apredetermined frequency band. EAS signal 1118 may includeelectromagnetic energy having a frequency, for example, within the bandof 58-60 kHz (AM-EAS waves) or 7-13 MHz (RF-EAS waves). EAS gate 1110,1112 may also include an EAS receiver 1120 configured to receivewireless signals within the same frequency band as EAS signal 1118. Forexample, EAS receiver 1120 may receive a signal that is transmitted byan EAS security tag that is brought into proximity with EAS gate 1110,1112 and triggered by EAS signal 1118. Upon receiving the wirelesssignals in the same frequency band as EAS signal 1118, EAS receiver 1120may trigger an alarm 1114 indicating the passage of a tagged productthrough the EAS gate 1110, 1112.

In some embodiments, an exemplary wireless transmitting tag 1100 (suchas, e.g., tags 1100 a and 1100 b) may be configured to receive EASsignal 1118 when the product associated with the tag passes through EASgate 1110, 1112. For example, the electromagnetic energy of EAS signal1118 may be received by a coil 2110 of the wireless transmitting tag1100, thereby activating or triggering the tag. Upon activation,wireless transmitting tag 1100 may transmit an ID signal 1102 withtransmitter 2104. ID signal 1102 may have a different frequency than EASsignal 1118 (e.g., ID signal 1102 may have a frequency around 2.4 GHzand EAS signal may be within a frequency band between 58-60 kHz or 7-13MHz). In some embodiments, EAS receiver 1120 may not be triggered by IDsignal 1102 because ID signal 1102 may be outside the specifiedfrequency band of EAS receiver 1120. In some embodiments, the wirelesstransmitting tag 1100 may not generate any signal or interfere with anysignal generated by the EAS gate 1110, 1120 such that the tag cannot bedetected by the EAS gate's receiver 1120. Instead, another receiver 1124may be provided which is configured to receive ID signal 1102 and takeone or more corresponding actions, such as activating an alarm ortransmitting a signal to at least one processor for completion of anelectronic purchase of the tagged product 1106 or 1122.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one receiver. As used herein,a receiver may include a circuit configured to receive signals sent overa communication medium. The signals may carry data (as in the case ofcommunication systems such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular communication,Ethernet communication or any other standards-based or proprietaryprotocol) or just carry energy (as in the case of exciters for RFID,X-ray imaging, or radar). The term “receiver” may refer to a receiver inthe context of wireless communication, such that the signal may includean electric signal, a magnetic signal or an electromagnetic signal; themedium may be over-the-air wireless communication; and the signal maycarry data of some form according to an agreed-upon communicationprotocol. A receiver may include a fixed receiver in an environment, awireless user device (e.g., cellphone, tablet, dedicated hardware,etc.), a handheld receiver (e.g., a handheld scanner provided to anemployee or customer by the establishment for use during workingroutines or in a shopping session), or any other circuit or componentthat receives signals.

In some embodiments, the at least one receiver may include an antennatuned to receive electromagnetic energy within a specified frequencyband. Additionally, the at least one receiver may be configured totransmit electromagnetic energy within a specified frequency band. Forexample, the at least one receiver may include a transceiver, a router,a duplexer, or any other device configured to both transmit and receivesignals. In disclosed embodiments, the at least one receiver may beconfigured to receive transmissions from the wireless transmitting tags,as well as from other devices configured to transmit wireless or wiredsignals. Disclosed embodiments may include one or more receivers fixedat designated locations within the establishment; for example, receiversmay be distributed throughout the establishment so that signalstransmitted from any point within the establishment may be received byat least one of the receivers. Additionally, or alternatively,embodiments may include one or more mobile receivers (e.g., a wirelessuser device or a handheld receiver) which may be placed by a user at adesired location within the establishment.

For example, FIGS. 13A-13D depict an exemplary electronic securitysystem including a plurality of receivers 11300 a-h distributedthroughout the establishment to receive broadcasts of signals from thewireless tags 1100 and other transmitting devices. Receivers 11300 a-hmay be affixed or otherwise attached to walls, ceilings, racks,displays, or any other fixtures or components within the establishmentcapable of supporting the receiver. As shown in FIG. 13B, receivers11300 a-h may be configured to receive transmissions of ID signal 13102from wireless transmitting tag 1100. Each receiver 11300 a-h may includeat least one of a first antenna 2112 tuned to receive energy at afrequency around 900 MHz (e.g., RFID signals) and a second antenna 2114tuned to receive energy at a frequency around 2.4 GHz (e.g., Wi-Fi,Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or Classic Bluetooth). As shown in FIG. 11,receivers 11300 a-h may be configured to receive data transmissions fromwireless transmitting tags 1100 and to transmit the data to othercomponents of wireless identification system 11000 via network 11002.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one processor as describedelsewhere in this disclosure. Disclosed embodiments may includereceiving transmissions from a plurality of wireless transmitting tags.As discussed above, the transmissions from the wireless transmittingtags may be received by the at least one receiver. Additionally, oralternatively, the transmissions may be received by another component ofthe electronic security system.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving a specific tag ID of aspecific tag. For example, the at least one processor may be configuredto receive a specific tag ID of a specific tag. A tag ID may includeinformation of a given one of the wireless transmitting tags thatidentifies the tag to a user and/or to other devices or devicecomponents. The tag ID may include a numbers, letters, characters,codes, strings, or other forms of data which may identify the wirelesstransmitting tag to other devices or device components that receive thetag ID. In some embodiments, the tag ID may be unique to a specific tag,and that specific tag may have only one tag ID. Alternatively, the sametag may have multiple tag IDs. In some embodiments, multiple tags mayshare the same tag ID or groups of IDs. Examples of a tag ID may includea serial number, part number, bar code, UUID, EPC, and/or other data.

In some embodiments, the specific tag may be associated with a specificproduct for prospective purchase from the establishment. That is, thespecific tag ID may be associated with a specific one of the wirelesstransmitting tags which is, in turn, associated with a specific productfor prospective purchase from the establishment. As discussed above, tobe “associated with” may mean that the specific one of the wirelesstransmitting tags (referred to hereafter as “the specific tag”) may beassigned to, or otherwise paired or correlated with, a specific productoffered in the establishment. The association between the specific tagand the specific product may be stored in a data structure, so thatinformation of one of the specific tag and the specific product may beused to access information of the other from the data structure. In someembodiments, the specific product may be a product that is offered bythe establishment to be purchased, rented, leased, or otherwise borrowed(for free or for a fee). Additionally, or alternatively, the specificproduct may be a product that a customer has decided to buy and forwhich the customer is performing a transaction to purchase, rent, lease,or otherwise borrow the specific product from the establishment.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving the specific tag ID from adevice operated by a prospective purchaser. For example, the at leastone processor may be configured to receive the specific tag ID from adevice operated by a prospective purchaser. As used herein, aprospective purchaser may include a customer who is initiating orperforming a transaction to purchase, rent, lease, or otherwise borrowthe specific product from the establishment. Additionally, oralternatively, a prospective purchaser may include an employee of theestablishment who may perform a transaction, in whole or in part, onbehalf of a buyer; examples may include an in-store shopper or cashier.Additionally, or alternatively, a prospective purchaser may include anyindividual authorized to perform a transaction, in whole or in part, onbehalf of a buyer; examples may include a shopper engaged via a serviceor application such as Instacart, Shipt, and Stitch Fix. In someembodiments, the specific tag ID may be received from the deviceoperated by the prospective purchaser following detection of thespecific tag ID by the device. For example, the prospective purchasermay use the device to photograph or scan the tag ID or a portionthereof. Additionally, or alternatively, the prospective purchaser mayinput the specific tag ID, or a portion thereof, into the device via akeyboard, microphone, mouse, or other user input mechanism.Additionally, or alternatively, the prospective purchaser may use thedevice to select the tag ID on a website or application that isassociated with the establishment. Additionally, or alternatively, theprospective purchaser may use the device to trigger the specific tag totransmit its ID, and receive the ID transmission by the device, or byother means such as the receivers 11300 a-h which then relay to thedevice the ID of the specific tag. After obtaining the specific tag ID,the device may transmit the specific tag ID to the at least oneprocessor.

FIG. 13C illustrates an example in which a prospective purchaseroperates user device 11008 to detect the tag ID of a wirelesstransmitting tag 1100 attached to a product offered for purchase fromthe establishment. In this example, user device 11008 may include asmartphone or another device having a camera, which the purchaser mayuse to detect (e.g., photograph or scan) the tag ID. As shown in FIG.11, user device 11008 may transmit the tag ID to at least one processor11004 via network 11002.

In some embodiments, the device operated by the prospective purchasermay include a personal mobile communications device of the prospectivepurchaser. Exemplary personal mobile communications devices may includea cellular phone, smartphone, tablet, desktop, laptop, PDA, handheldscanner, wearable device, or other mobile communication device. Forexample, FIG. 13C illustrates an embodiment in which a prospectivepurchaser operates user device 11008 (e.g., a smartphone) to detect thespecific tag ID.

Additionally, or alternatively, the device operated by the prospectivepurchaser may be associated with a kiosk in the establishment. As usedherein, a kiosk may include a small, stand-alone structure with acomputer terminal or another input device that customers may use toaccess information and make purchases from the establishment. In someembodiments, the kiosk may include a structure that is secured againstmovement, such as a terminal connected to the floor or a touchscreenmounted on the wall. Additionally, or alternatively, the kiosk may beconfigured to be moved around the establishment so that the kiosk may beplaced, for example, in a high-traffic area, near the exit or customerservice desk, outside the fitting rooms, or at any other desiredlocation. In some embodiments, the kiosk may be fully-automated so thatcustomers can use the kiosk without input or assistance from employeesof the establishment. For example, FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplaryestablishment with a kiosk 16010 including a computer terminal with atouchscreen or other user input mechanism that customers may use toaccess information about the establishment and products sold therein andto complete purchase transactions. Other examples of a kiosk may includea self-checkout counter, a fully or partially enclosed booth, a cubicle,a work station, or any other device that may be operated by a customerto access information or purchase products from the establishment.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving the specific tag ID andother data from the device operated by the prospective purchaser (e.g.,by the at least one processor) via one or more communication protocolsor techniques. For example, the specific tag ID may be received from thedevice operated by the prospective purchaser via a local Wi-Ficonnection in the establishment or by any other standards-based orproprietary communication protocol. In some embodiments, the at leastone processor and the device operated by the prospective purchaser(referred to hereafter as the purchaser's device) may both be connectedto the local Wi-Fi network in the establishment so that data such as thespecific tag ID may be transmitted between the device and the at leastone processor via the Wi-Fi network. Additionally, or alternatively, theat least one processor and the purchaser's device may be connected andconfigured for data transmission via other protocols such as Bluetooth,cellular communication, Ethernet, ADSL/VDSL/SDSL wired protocols, GSM,3G, LTE, 5G, ZigBee, Z-wave wireless protocols, a proprietary protocolagreed on by the transmitter and receiver, or any other suitable mediumfor transmitting data such as the specific tag ID between thepurchaser's device and the at least one processor.

In disclosed embodiments, the specific tag ID may be received from thedevice operated by the prospective purchaser via a wired Local AreaNetwork (LAN) connection. As used herein, a wired LAN may include anetwork of processors and peripheral devices within a localized areawhich are physically linked together via, for example, Ethernet cablingand switches. In some embodiments, the at least one processor and thepurchaser's device may both have hardwired connections to the LAN (e.g.,Ethernet or other network cables may be plugged into both devices).Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one processor may have awired connection to an access point or router, which may establish awireless connection with the purchaser's device. The purchaser's devicemay transmit the specific tag ID and other data to the at least oneprocessor via the access point or router. Additionally, oralternatively, the at least one processor and the purchaser's device mayboth be configured to access the wired LAN via a wireless connection toan access point or router of the wired LAN. In some embodiments, the atleast one processor may include a processor within the establishment,such as a computing device at a checkout station or register, aself-service kiosk, or a handheld device or scanner provided by theestablishment to an employee or customer for use during working routinesor in a shopping session. The at least one processor may therefore beconfigured to connect to the purchaser's device via a LAN since bothdevices are located within or in close proximity to the establishment.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, network 11002 may include a Local AreaNetwork (LAN) providing a connection between a processor 11004 and auser device 11008. In some embodiments, processor 11004 and user device11008 may both have hardwired connections to network 11002 (e.g.,Ethernet or other network cable connections). Additionally, oralternatively, network 11002 may include a wired access point or routerto which processor 11004 may have a hardwired connection and with whichthe user device 11008 may establish a wireless connection. User device11008 may therefore transmit data (e.g., the specific tag ID) toprocessor 11004 via the access point or router.

Additionally, or alternatively, the specific tag ID may be received fromthe device operated by the prospective purchaser via a Wide Area Network(WAN) connection. As used herein, a WAN may include a communicationsnetwork formed from a collection of local area networks and/or othernetworks so that the WAN is not tied to a specific geographical area,but instead extends over a large geographic area or, in someembodiments, is a global network. The WAN may be implemented using anysuitable communication or networking technology, including ATM, cablemodems, dial-up internet, DSL, fiber optics, frame relay, ISDN, leasedlines, wireless networks, cellular networks, virtual private networks(VPNs), SONET/SDH, and X.25.

As an example, FIG. 17 depicts a Wide Area Network (WAN) 17310 forconnecting Local Area Networks (LANs) in different geographical areas.In this example, WAN 17310 may connect multiple establishments 17312,17314, and 17316, each of which may have a wired or wireless LAN forlocal communications, as discussed above. For example, in someembodiments, each establishment 17312, 17314, and 17316 may have its ownlocal network configured as network 11002 of FIG. 11; as shown in FIG.11, each network 11002 may include, e.g., at least one processor 11004,data structure(s) 11006, receivers 11300 a-11300 g, and user devices11008 (see FIG. 11). In some embodiments, a corporation or other entityhaving multiple locations may use WAN 17310 to provide communicationsbetween individual establishments 17312, 17314, and 17316, as well asadditional points such as a business office 17318, a banking or digitalwallet platform 17320, a remote or cloud data storage structure 17322,and other locations 17324 such as, e.g., a customer's home or business,school, university, library, government building, or any other locationfrom which access to the business' network may be sought. In variousembodiments, the at least one processor and the purchaser's device maybe situated in different locations (as a non-limiting example, thepurchaser's device may be operated within an establishment 17312 whilethe at least one processor may be situated within a business office17318). Data, including the specific tag ID, may be transmitted betweenthe purchaser's device and the at least one processor via WAN 17310.

Disclosed embodiments may include accessing a data structure containinga plurality of tag IDs associated with a plurality of products in theestablishment. For example, the at least one processor may be configuredto access a data structure containing a plurality of tag IDs associatedwith a plurality of products in the establishment. As used herein, adata structure may include an ordered or un-ordered storage ofinformation, saved in a computer-accessible form on a medium which isboth readable and writable. Some non-limiting examples includedatabases, spreadsheets, directories, tables, and other data types. Datastructures may be designed to enable targeted retrieval of portions ofthe data or of individual records according to various criteria and atdifferent levels of aggregation. Such retrievals, or queries, mayinclude searching for a single stored piece of information, searchingfor specific information associated in the data structure with a knownpiece of information, searching for multiple pieces of informationsharing some characteristic, etc. A data structure designed to allowqueries and retrieval of information may define a standard interface,including both a medium, tunnel or protocol through which to receivequeries and return responses, as well as a language, format, applicationor other definition for the structure and content of the queries as wellas the structure and content of the responses. Such an interface (e.g.,an API) enables a person, entity, or device with access to theinterface, and knowledge of the format of queries and responses, toretrieve information from the data structure. Such a person, entity ordevice, referred to as a requester, may be required to provide some formof credentials, log-in, certificate or identification, in order todetermine whether the requester is authorized to access the informationstored in the data structure. Such authorization data may be general forthe entire data structure, or it may be specific for each and everypiece of stored information, or to specific characteristics andattributes of the entire data structure but not to other specificcharacteristics and attributes.

In some embodiments, a data structure may maintain a record includingproducts offered in the establishment, wireless transmitting tagsassociated with the establishment, tag IDs of the wireless transmittingtags, associations between products and tags, and location data of theproducts and/or tags. Each tag ID (as well as the corresponding wirelesstransmitting tag) may be associated with at least one of the productsoffered in the establishment. In some embodiments, each of the pluralityof tag IDs in the data structure may be unique from every other tag IDin the data structure. Additionally, or alternatively, each of theplurality of tag IDs in the data structure may be associated with asingle product, and vice versa. Thus, each tag ID may uniquely identifyboth the corresponding wireless transmitting tag and the associatedproduct within the establishment. In some embodiments, additionalinformation may also be stored in the data structure. For example,information of the wireless transmitting tags associated with each ofthe plurality of tag IDs (e.g., a tag's power level, manufacturinginformation, etc.) and information of the plurality of products in theestablishment (e.g., each product's size and color, price data, a serialnumber or unique identifier of each product, a lot number, manufacturingand/or shipping history, or any other information regarding the product)may also be stored within, and accessed from, the data structure. Theassociation (i.e., the pairing or correlation) between the tag ID andthe associated product may be stored in a data structure, so that thetag ID may be used to access information of the associated product fromthe data structure, and vice versa.

As an example, FIG. 11 depicts a processor 11004 which may access a datastructure 11006 via network 11002; the plurality of tags IDs (and,optionally, additional information as discussed above) may be stored indata structure 11006. As another example, FIG. 17 shows a remote datastorage structure 17322 which may be accessed via WAN 17310; theplurality of tags IDs (and, optionally, additional information asdiscussed above) may be stored in data structure 17322. A processorconfigured to access WAN 17310 (e.g., a processor within anestablishment 17312 or business office 17318) may therefore access thetag IDs from data structure 17322 via WAN 17310.

Disclosed embodiments may include performing a lookup in the datastructure of the specific tag ID. For example, the at least oneprocessor may be configured to perform a lookup in the data structure ofthe specific tag ID, and the data structure may be configured toreceive, process and respond to such lookup requests. The at least oneprocessor may initiate a search for the specific tag ID from among thetag IDs stored in the data structure. Upon finding the specific tag IDin the data structure, embodiments may include identifying the specificproduct. For example, the processor may use the stored associationsbetween products and tags to identify a specific product associated withthe specific tag ID. In some embodiments, the at least one processor mayaccess stored information of the specific product from the datastructure. The at least one processor may, in various embodiments,transmit information of the specific tag ID and/or information of thespecific product to the purchaser's device.

Disclosed embodiments may include initiating an electronic purchasetransaction. For example, the at least one processor may be configuredto initiate an electronic purchase transaction. As used herein, anelectronic purchase transaction may include an economic transactionwhere one party (a seller) provides a product or a service (thepurchased product) to a second party (the buyer), and the second partyprovides compensation (money, money-equivalent assets, another productor service, or a commitment to provide such compensation at some futuretime) in return. An electronic purchase transaction may also include thetransfer of ownership, rights of possession, or any other interest inreal, personal, tangible, or intangible property between parties inexchange for monetary payment or other consideration, the transactionbeing executed by a processor such as a computer, tablet, smartphone,cloud computing platform, or any other suitable electronic processingdevice, component, or unit. In disclosed embodiments, the electronicpurchase transaction may be initiated (e.g., by the at least oneprocessor) for an electronic purchase of the specific product. Forexample, the electronic purchase transaction may be performed betweenthe prospective purchaser and the establishment: the prospectivepurchaser may acquire the specific product from the establishment bysale, rental, lease, negotiation, pledge, lien, gift, or any voluntarytransaction, in exchange for payment of money or other consideration tothe establishment for the specific product.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured toinitiate the electronic purchase transaction for the specific productbased on receipt of the specific tag ID from the purchaser's device.That is, the electronic purchase transaction may be triggered (i.e.,initiated) by receipt of the specific tag ID and the subsequent lookupof the specific tag ID in the data structure. Alternatively, the atleast one processor may receive a separate authorization to initiate theelectronic purchase transaction, either before or after the receipt ofthe specific tag ID from the device. For example, the purchaser's devicemay prompt the prospective purchaser via a user interface to authorizethe purchase. When the prospective purchaser authorizes the purchase,the purchaser's device may transmit an authorization signal to theprocessor that causes the processor to initiate the electronic purchasetransaction. However, the at least one processor may be configured tonot initiate the electronic purchase transaction when the purchaser'sauthorization is not received.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured toaccess financial accounts or instruments associated with the prospectivepurchaser in order to obtain funds to complete the electronic purchasetransaction. As used herein, accounts or instruments “associated” withthe prospective purchaser may include accounts and instruments for whichthe prospective purchaser is the account holder or an agent, custodian,nominee, signatory, investment advisor, or guardian of the accountholder, or an account or instrument from which the prospective purchaseris authorized to make the electronic purchase of the specific product.In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured todebit an account associated with the prospective purchaser for theelectronic purchase of the specific product. For example, the at leastone processor may be linked to a bank account or digital wallet accountheld by the prospective purchaser (e.g., PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, andZelle) so that the processor may debit funds from the account tocomplete the electronic purchase transaction. In alternativeembodiments, the electronic purchase transaction may include anelectronic credit card transaction. For example, the at least oneprocessor may be configured to charge the electronic purchasetransaction on a credit card, debit card, or other instrument held bythe prospective purchaser or which the prospective purchaser has beenauthorized to use to complete the transaction. In some embodiments, uponcompletion of the electronic purchase transaction, the at least oneprocessor may be configured to update the data structure to reflect, forexample, that the prospective purchaser is the owner of the specificproduct and that the establishment is not the owner or possessor of thespecific product.

As an example, FIG. 17 depicts a Wide Area Network (WAN) 17310 forcommunication with a banking or digital wallet platform 17320. In someembodiments, a processor performing the electronic purchase transaction(e.g., a processor within an establishment 17312) may be configured toaccess a banking or digital wallet platform 17320 associated with theprospective purchaser to access funds for completion of the electronicpurchase transaction. For example, the processor may be configured totransfer funds from the prospective purchaser's account to an accountassociated with the establishment.

Disclosed embodiments may include causing an alarm to be initiated, suchas by the at least one processor. As used herein, an alarm may refer toan alert or notification generated by a component of the electronicsecurity system for notifying another component, another system, and/ora person that the electronic security system has detected anunauthorized intrusion into the establishment or an attempted robbery ortheft from the establishment. The alarm may include at last one of anaudible alert, a visual alert, a haptic alert, a digital message, or anyother transmission that conveys the desired information. In someembodiments, the electronic security system may include fixedinfrastructure configured to initiate an alarm; examples may includespeakers, lights, and/or graphic displays arranged at strategiclocations within the establishment such as at the entrance and/or exit,near a checkout counter or self-checkout kiosk, in a storage area, ornext to the fitting rooms. Additionally, or alternatively, theelectronic security system may include other components for initiatingan alarm including notifications on an employee's mobile device,updating a data structure of attempted thefts, instant messages, and/orautomated transmissions to local security.

The at least one processor may cause an alarm to be initiated by causingactivation of the alarm-initiating components of the electronic securitysystem. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may cause analarm to be initiated when an unauthorized intrusion into theestablishment is detected or in the event of an attempted robbery,burglary, theft, pilferage, or other loss of a product from theestablishment. For example, an EAS gate may be provided near theentrance or exit of the establishment and/or at another designatedlocation and may be configured to transmit an activation signal (i.e.,an EAS signal) to wireless transmitting tags in proximity to the EASgate, such as a tag attached to a product being carried through the EASgate. In embodiments in which the specific tag receives the EAS signalfrom the EAS gate, the specific tag may be configured to output a signalin a different frequency band than the EAS signal. The specific tag mayfurther be configured to include in the transmission informationregarding the state of the tag, for example information indicating thatthe tag is transmitting the signal in response to receiving an EASsignal from an EAS gate. The at least one receiver of the electronicsecurity system may be configured to receive transmissions upondetection of the EAS gate by the specific tag (i.e., a signaltransmitted by the specific tag after the specific tag receives the EASsignal from the EAS gate). However, the EAS gate may not detect thesignal transmitted by the specific tag because the signal may be outsidea range of frequencies detected by the EAS gate. For example, the EASgate may be tuned to detect signals in a frequency range of about 7-13MHz and/or in a frequency range of about 58-60 kHz, while the specifictag may be configured to transmit signals within a frequency band around900 MHz and/or within a frequency band around 2.4 GHz. Thus, thespecific tag (and other wireless transmitting tags disclosed herein) maybe configured to come into proximity with the EAS gate, includingpassing through the EAS gate, without activating the EAS gate alarm.

Once a wireless transmitting tag is detected by the at least onereceiver of the electronic security system, the at least one processormay be configured to determine whether the detected tag is associatedwith a product that has not been paid for or which is otherwise notpermitted to exit the establishment. For example, the at least oneprocessor may perform a lookup of the ID of the detected tag todetermine if the tag is associated with a product that has beenpurchased or which is still included in the establishment's inventorylist (which may indicate that the product still belongs to theestablishment and has not been purchased). If the at least one processordetermines that the detected tag and the associated product are notpermitted to exit the establishment, the processor may cause activationof an alarm to signify, e.g., that an individual is attempting to exitthe establishment with a product without paying for it.

For example, FIG. 1 depicts a customer 1104 exiting through an EAS gate1110, 1112 with a first product 1106 with a first tag 1100 a, and alsowith a second product 1122 with a second tag 1100 b. As discussed above,tags 1100 a and 1100 b may receive EAS signal 1118 and, in response,output tag ID signals 1102 a and 1102 b. Receiver 1124 of the electronicsecurity system may detect tag ID signals 1102 a and 1102 b and aprocessor of the electronic security system (e.g., processor 11004 ofFIG. 11) may determine whether the detected ID signals 1102 a and 1102 bare associated with products that are authorized to pass through EASgate 1110, 1112 (e.g., products that have been purchased or designatedfor return to the establishment). In some embodiments, the processor maycause activation of an alert mechanism such as an audible alert or aflashing light to signal that customer 1104 is not authorized to leavethe establishment with products 1106 and 1122 (e.g., customer 1104 mayhave failed to pay for the products).

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one processor may be configuredto disable an ability to initiate an alarm following the electronicpurchase of the specific product. For example, the at least oneprocessor may cause a temporary shutdown of some or all of thealarm-initiating components of the electronic security system followingthe electronic purchase. As a result, products with wirelesstransmitting tags may pass through the EAS gate (and optionally throughother security points) without the alarms being initiated.

Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one processor may beconfigured to control the alarm-initiating components of the electronicsecurity system to forego initiating an alarm when a pre-approved eventoccurs, even when the event would otherwise trigger an alarm. Forexample, specific tags and/or products in the data structure may bedesignated as being authorized to pass through the EAS gate without thealarm being initiated. Products designated for passage withoutinitiating an alarm may include, e.g., products that have been sold,products that are being returned, products that are being shipped toanother establishment, or products being brought in by an employee forstocking the establishment. As a result, when a designated tag (e.g., atag of a previously purchased product) passes through the EAS gate, theat least one processor may control at least some of the alarm-initiatingcomponents of the electronic security system to forego initiating analarm, allowing the customer to take the tagged product through the EASgate without interruption. However, the alarm may still be activatedwhen a non-designated tag passes through the EAS gate because thealarm-initiating components remain active.

Following completion of the electronic purchase of the specific product,the prospective purchaser owns the specific product and is free to leavethe establishment with the product without interruption by an alarm.Thus, in some embodiments the at least one processor may update the datastructure to include a designation that the specific tag is associatedwith a purchased product and therefore may pass through the EAS gate (oranother checkpoint) without triggering an alarm. As a result, when areceiver of the electronic security system receives a transmission fromthe specific tag in proximity to the EAS gate, the at least oneprocessor may determine that the specific tag is being brought throughthe EAS gate and may perform a lookup of the specific tag ID. Upondetermining that the specific tag ID is associated with a previouslypurchased product, the at least one processor may disable an ability(e.g., of alarm components near the EAS gate) to initiate an alarm sothat the specific product may be brought through the EAS gate withoutinterruption.

Referring again to FIG. 1, at least one processor of the electronicsecurity system (e.g., processor 11004) may initiate an electronicpurchase transaction for customer 1104 to electronically purchase taggedproducts 1106 and 1122. Following the electronic purchase, the processormay update data structure 11006 and/or another data structure todesignate products 1106 and 1122 as being authorized for passage throughEAS gate 1110, 1112 without an alarm being triggered. When customer 1104approaches the EAS gate 1110, 1112 with products 1106 and 1122, receiver1124 may receive signals 1102 a, 1102 b being transmitted by tags 1100a, 1100 b. The processor may perform a lookup of the detected tag IDsand determine that the tags 1100 a and 1100 b are associated withdesignated (i.e., purchased) products and may accordingly disable thealarms near EAS gate 1110, 1112. As a result, customer 1104 may exitthrough the EAS gate with tagged products 1106 and 1122, without beingstopped or interrupted by the alarm.

In disclosed embodiments, disabling the ability to initiate the alarmmay include performing a lookup of the specific tag ID to determine thatthe associated specific product was already purchased. For example, adata structure may be provided that contains information of sales andother transactions by the establishment, including tag IDs and/or otheridentifiers of sold products. The at least one processor may perform alookup of the specific tag ID in the data structure to accessinformation of the electronic purchase transaction to determine that thespecific product associated with the specific tag ID was alreadypurchased and is therefore authorized to pass through the EAS gatewithout an alarm being initiated. When it is determined that theassociated specific product was already purchased, the at least oneprocessor may update the data structure to designate the specific tag IDand/or the specific product as being authorized to pass through the EASgate without an alarm being initiated. For example, the at least oneprocessor may update the data structure to include an instruction not toinitiate the alarm when the at least one receiver receives atransmission from the specific tag in proximity to the EAS gate, whichmay indicate that the specific tag is passing through the EAS gate. Insome embodiments, updating the data structure to include the instructionnot to initiate the alarm may include removing from the data structurean indication that the specific product is available for purchase. Forexample, the at least one processor may change a status indicator in thedata structure of the specific product and/or the specific tag toindicate that the specific product was already purchased (and istherefore no longer available for purchase). Additionally, oralternatively, the at least one processor may remove the specificproduct from a list in the data structure of available inventory in theestablishment. In some embodiments, updating the data structure mayinclude, for example, changing the ownership status of the product fromthe establishment to the purchaser, changing the authorization of thealarm-initiating components to respond to the specific tag, or deletingthe tag altogether from the data structure.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one processor may be configuredto determine, based on transmissions received by the at least onereceiver, tag locations at the time of transmission. For example, awireless transmitting tag within an establishment may transmit a signalthat may be received by at least one receiver in the establishment.However, depending on the proximity to the at least one receiver, thepower level of the signal received by each receiver may differ inmagnitude. The at least one processor may use this magnitude data tocalculate certain properties of the propagation of the signal over thecommunication medium, establishing such parameters as the range a signalmay be detected at, a value representative of the relative or actualdistance at which the signal has been transmitted, the signal-to-noiseratio, interference properties etc. In the context of wirelesscommunication, this magnitude may be measured in units of power, usuallyeither Watts or dBW (decibel-Watts or dB-Watts) which is a logarithmicunit related to Watts (or sometimes in units of dBm, which is related tomilliwatts in the same manner dBW is related to Watts). In that sense, apower level of the signal may refer, for example, to a power measurementimmediately at the input of the signal at the receiver, while thereceiver is actively receiving one or more signals.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor may determine a taglocation at the time of transmission (i.e., at the time the tagtransmits the signal) by comparing the power levels of the signalsreceived at each receiver and determining the location of the wirelesstransmitting tag at the time of transmission based on the comparison.For example, the power level of a first signal transmitted by a wirelesstransmitting tag and received by a first receiver may be higher than thepower level of other signals from the tag received by other receivers inthe establishment due to the tag being closer to the first receiver thanto the other receivers. The first receiver may be associated with agiven location, and therefore, based on the first receiver receiving thestrongest signal and its association with the given location, it may bedetermined that the tag is located at that location. Similarly, multiplesignal strengths detected by different receivers may be used to estimatea tag's location. For example, using three signal strengths detected bythree receivers, the at least one processor may triangulate the signalsto estimate or determine the transmission source, which may correspondto the tag's location at the time of transmission.

By way of example, FIGS. 13A and 13C depict a product 13210 hanging froma shelf that may contain a wireless transmitting tag 1100 configured totransmit an ID signal 13102. Due to the proximity of tag 1100 toreceiver 11300 c (see FIG. 13C), the power level of the signal 13102received by receiver 11300 c may be higher than the power level of thesignals 13102 received by other receivers located further away from tag1100 (e.g., receivers 11300 b and 11300 d). Therefore, the at least oneprocessor of the electronic security system may determine that theproduct 13210 is located on or near the shelf of FIG. 13C since thelocations of receiver 11300 c and the shelf may be known beforehand.

In some embodiments, signal strength patterns may be determined inadvance for location purposes. For example, measurements taken bymultiple receivers in an area (e.g., multiple receivers near the EASgate) of signals transmitted by a wireless transmitting tag may resultin a recognizable pattern that can be matched to determine a tag'slocation in the future. Tag readings may be collected from throughoutthe establishment to correlate signal strength patterns with actuallocations. The correlations may be stored in a data structure. Then, inthe future, a look-up may be performed on signals from a wirelesstransmitting tag to identify the tag's location based on the storeddata. Similarly, the at least one processor may learn over time, usingartificial intelligence.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one processor may be configuredto determine tag proximity to the EAS gate based at least in part on thedetermined tag locations. For example, the location of the EAS gateand/or receivers near the EAS gate may be known beforehand. The at leastone processor may therefore compare the determined tag location to thelocation(s) of the EAS gate and/or receivers near the EAS gate todetermine the tag's proximity to the EAS gate. For example, if thedistance between the specific tag's location and the EAS gate is lessthan a predetermined threshold (e.g., 1 meter), the at least oneprocessor may determine that the specific tag is being transportedthrough the EAS gate. The at least one processor may therefore perform alookup of the specific tag ID and, if appropriate, disable the abilityof components near the EAS gate to initiate an alarm. Additionally, oralternatively, the proximity of the tag to the EAS gate may beascertained by the at least one processor based on the range oftransmission of the EAS gate signals, outside of which the specific tagwould not receive the EAS gate signal and therefore would not transmit.

For example, FIG. 13D shows a customer approaching an EAS gate 1110,1112 with a product having a wireless transmitting tag 1100. Receiverssuch as receiver 11300 h may receive the signals 13102 transmitted bythe tag so that the at least one processor may determine the tag'slocation. The processor may compare the tag's determined location to aknown location of the EAS gate 1110, 1112 and/or another reference pointto determine the proximity of tag 1100 to the EAS gate. If tag 1100 issufficiently close to EAS gate 1110, 1112 (e.g., if the distance betweenthe tag and gate is less than a predetermined threshold), the at leastone processor may conclude that tag 1100 is being transported throughEAS gate 1110, 1112.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one processor may be configuredto process data associated with a plurality of establishments. As usedherein, data “associated with” a plurality of establishments may includedata pertaining to or collected from the plurality of establishments,data received from processors in the plurality of establishments, datacontained in data structures of the plurality of establishments, or datathat is otherwise related to or derived from the plurality ofestablishments. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may beconfigured to connect to the plurality of establishments (and networksand/or processors therein) via Wi-Fi connection, a Wide Area Network(WAN) connection, a wired and/or wireless Local Area Network (LAN)connection, or any other means of communication. Additionally, oralternatively, at least some of the plurality of establishments may beconnected to separate LANs. For example, each establishment may beconnected to a separate LAN or, alternatively, two or more of theestablishments may be connected to the same LAN. In such embodiments,the at least one processor may be configured to connect to the LAN ofeach establishment (e.g., via a WAN or another networking configuration)so that the at least one processor may access and process dataassociated with each establishment, such as data transmitted to the atleast one processor from a processor associated with each individualestablishment. In some embodiments, all of the establishments may be ofthe same type (e.g., all of the establishments may be retailestablishments owed by the same entity). Alternatively, the plurality ofestablishments may include different types of establishments, as definedabove.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one processor may be configuredto access a plurality of data structures, each of the plurality of datastructures being uniquely associated with one of the plurality ofestablishments. As used herein, being “uniquely associated” with oneestablishment may mean that each data structure has a networkingconnection (e.g., via LAN, Wi-Fi, etc.) with the components of a singleone of the establishments and, optionally, that the physical componentsof each data structure are located within the correspondingestablishment. Additionally, or alternatively, being “uniquelyassociated” with one establishment may mean that each data structure isused to store data that is collected from, related to items or productsassociated with, or otherwise uniquely associated with the correspondingestablishment. Additionally, or alternatively, being “uniquelyassociated” with one establishment may mean that access to a datastructure may be restricted to persons working for the correspondingestablishment or who may otherwise have a relationship with theestablishment that necessitates access to the data structure. Personsgranted access to the data structure may include, for example, employeesof the establishment, persons who oversee or supervise those employees(e.g., corporate officers), and/or persons granted access to the datastructure for another reason. In some embodiments, each establishmentmay have its own LAN including at least one data structure. The at leastone processor of the electronic security system may be configured toconnect to the LAN of each establishment so that the at least oneprocessor may access, change, add, duplicate, or remove data from eachdata structure. Additionally, or alternatively, the data structuresuniquely associated with each establishment may reside together in asingle location, not adjacent to, within, or associated with, theplurality of establishments, and the association between each of theplurality of data structures and each of the plurality of establishmentsmay be a purely logical one.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, the electronic security system mayinclude a WAN 17310 interconnecting a plurality of establishments 17312,17314, and 17316. Each establishment 17312, 17314, and 17316 may beconnected to its own data structure (e.g., data structure 11006 of FIG.11); the data structure may, in turn, be uniquely associated with thecorresponding establishment, as discussed above. In some embodiments,the at least one processor may be associated with the same establishmentas the data structure and may therefore use local networking means(e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular communication, Ethernet, etc.) toaccess the data structure. Alternatively, the at least one processor andthe data structure may be situated in different locations (as anon-limiting example, the data structure may be associated with anestablishment 17312 while the at least one processor may be situatedwithin a business office 17318 or a different establishment 17314). Theat least one processor may connect to the data structure via WAN 17310and may access, change, add, duplicate, or remove data from the datastructure.

In disclosed embodiments, the electronic security system may include aplurality of transmitters for wirelessly sending power to the wirelesstransmitting tags. As used herein, a transmitter may include anycomponent, group of components, or circuitry capable of sending a signalover a wired and/or wireless medium. The signal may be, for example, aWi-Fi signal, Bluetooth signal, cellular communication, Ethernetcommunication, a radio signal, a magnetic or electric field, an audibleor ultrasound signal, a light signal, a mechanical vibration, or anyother means of transmitting energy and/or information. The signalemitted by a transmitter may be received by a second device which may,in various embodiments, be triggered to perform a predefined action uponreceiving the signal.

Consistent with the present disclosure, the plurality of transmittersmay be configured to wirelessly send power to the wireless transmittingtags in the form of radio signals, a magnetic or electric field, anaudible or ultrasound signal, a light signal, a mechanical vibration, orany other form of energy that may be wirelessly transmitted to the tags.The wireless transmitting tags may, in turn, include antennae or otherreceivers for receiving the transmitted power. The plurality oftransmitters may emit a constant, intermittent, or periodical signal topower the tags and may, in some embodiments, be designed to have anadjustable transmission frequency and/or an adjustable transmissionpower level. In some embodiments, the plurality of transmitters mayinclude dedicated exciters configured to wirelessly send power to thetags in accordance with a received control signal and/or dedicatedprogramming. Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality oftransmitters may include ambient energy sources such as sunlight, wind,vibration, sound, heat, and radio frequency signals. In someembodiments, transmitters may be positioned within or around theestablishment in order to transmit power signals throughout the entireestablishment; transmitters may be affixed to certain structures in theestablishment (e.g., walls, ceilings, racks, displays, or other fixturesor components), located on or above the ceiling, on or under the floor,on or behind the walls, provided on a mobile or movable device (e.g., asmartphone or handheld scanner), or affixed to any other stationary ormobile structure. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may beconfigured to transmit a trigger command to the transmitters, which maycause the transmitters to send the power signals to the tags.

For example, FIGS. 13A-13D depict a plurality of transmitters 13400a-13400 e configured to wirelessly send power signals 13118 to wirelesstransmitting tags 1100. In this example, transmitters 13400 a-13400 emay be configured as exciters mounted to the ceiling or walls around theestablishment. Wireless tags 1100 may receive and harvest the energyfrom signals 13118 and may use the harvested energy to power theiroperations, including transmitting ID signals 13102. In someembodiments, transmitters 13400 a-13400 e may receive a trigger signalfrom a processor 11004 of the establishment and, in response, send powersignals 13118 to the tags. Additionally, or alternatively, transmitters13400 a-13400 e may be pre-programmed to send the power signals 13118,such as on a predetermined schedule or when it is determined that one ofthe wireless tags in the establishment is low on power.

In some embodiments, the plurality of transmitters may be configured towirelessly send power within a frequency band around 900 MHz to thewireless transmitting tags. As used herein, a frequency band around 900MHz may refer to any one or more portions of the ultra-high frequency(UHF) band generally reserved for RFID purposes in any region orjurisdiction. Examples may include the UHF RFID frequency bands of902-928 MHz (used in the United States), 865-868 MHz (used in theEuropean Union), and 952-956.4 MHz and 952-957.6 MHz, both of which areoutside the standard UHF RFID range but were previously used in Japanfor UHF RFID purposes and for purposes of this disclosure and in thiscontext, are within a frequency band around 900 MHz.

Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of transmitters may beconfigured to wirelessly send power within a frequency band around 2.4GHz to the wireless transmitting tags. As used herein, a frequency bandaround 2.4 GHz may refer to any one or more portions of the UHF banddesignated for the use of radiofrequency energy in a wide variety ofscientific, medical, and industrial applications. Services and users ofa frequency band around 2.4 GHz may use certain radiocommunicationtechnologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and ClassicBluetooth, for wireless local area networking and personal areanetworking. Many jurisdictions may reserve one or more of a plurality offrequency bands in the standard 2.4 GHz range for such technologies;however, some jurisdictions may adopt multiple bands and/or other uniquebands outside of this standard. As with frequency bands generallydesignated for UHD RFID, the frequency bands around 2.4 GHz designatedfor similar purposes may vary according to region and jurisdiction andmay be subject to change. For example, according to the Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, a set of local areanetwork (LAN) protocols specifies a set of media access control (MAC)and physical layer (PHY) protocols for implementing WLAN Wi-Ficommunications in frequencies including frequency bands around 2.4 GHzand is the world's most widely used standard for wireless computernetworking. Over time, the IEEE has amended 802.11 to designatefrequency bands outside of the 2.4 GHz range for similar purposes, suchas 5 GHz and even 60 GHz. Therefore, it may be contemplated that thestandard frequency ranges for wireless computer networking may besubject to change in the future. Accordingly, it is to be understoodthat “bands around 2.4 GHz” may refer to a wide range of potentialfrequency bands, consistent with the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the wireless transmitting tags may be configured toharvest the energy sent from the plurality of transmitters and use theharvested energy to power the operations of the tags. The energy may beharvested, for example, by a harvesting circuit and stored by an energystorage component of the tag or any element or circuits enabled toaccumulate energy. By way of example, an exemplary wireless transmittingtag 1100 illustrated in FIG. 9 may include an antenna 2112 tuned toreceive energy from a transmitter in a frequency below 1 GHz (e.g.,energy in a frequency band around 900 MHz) and to convey harvestedenergy to a 900 MHz harvester 9012. Additionally, or alternatively, tag1100 may include an antenna 2114 tuned to receive energy from atransmitter in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz and to convey harvestedenergy to a 2.4 GHz harvester 9014. Harvested energy may be stored inenergy storage circuit 2108 and subsequently used to power theoperations of wireless transmitting tag 1100, including powering thetransmissions by transmitter 2104.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 15110 forinventory control operations, consistent with disclosed embodiments.Process 15110 is provided by way of example, and a person of ordinaryskill would appreciate various other processes for inventory controlconsistent with this disclosure. At step 15112, process 15110 mayinclude receiving transmissions from a plurality of wirelesstransmitting tags. In some embodiments, the transmissions may bereceived by least one receiver of an exemplary electronic securitysystem. At step 15114, process 15110 may include receiving a specifictag ID from a device operated by a prospective purchaser. The specifictag ID may be associated with a specific one of the plurality ofwireless transmitting tags (e.g., a specific tag), which may, in turn,be associated with a specific product for prospective purchase from theestablishment. At step 15116, process 15110 may include accessing a datastructure containing a plurality of tag IDs. The tag IDs may beassociated with a plurality of products in the establishment. Forexample, each tag ID may be associated with a single product and mayuniquely identify that product. At step 15118, process 15110 may includeperforming a lookup in the data structure of the specific tag ID. Atstep 15120, due to the association between the specific tag and thespecific product, performing a lookup of the specific tag ID mayidentify the specific product and enable information of the specificproduct to be accessed from the data structure. At step 15122, process15110 may include initiating an electronic purchase transaction for thespecific product. The electronic purchase transaction may be performedfor an electronic purchase of the specific product and may debit anaccount associated with the prospective purchaser of the specificproduct. At step 15124, process 15110 may include disabling an abilityto initiate an alarm when a transmission is received from the specifictag in proximity to an electronic article surveillance (EAS) gateassociated with the establishment.

Disclosed embodiments may include an electronic security system forverifying buy online, pickup in-store (BOPIS) transactions andprotecting against the theft of previously-purchased products. Under oneexemplary model, customers may remotely purchase desired items such asfood, electronics, and home goods, without the need to order themin-store, e.g. through a website associated with an store, through phoneordering or via other means. Once the store has fulfilled the order, thecustomer may come into the store and pick-up the purchased items withoutwaiting in line or interacting with store staff. One example of such amodel, referred to as BOPIS, avoids the downsides of delivery servicessuch as delivery fees, order fulfillment errors, and long delivery waittimes.

A disadvantage of the BOPIS model is the risk of theft and ordermix-ups. In many cases, establishments using the BOPIS model keepfulfilled orders in a dedicated storage, with only staff having accessto that area. This requires that customers who wish to use the BOPISmodel need to find a staff member with access to the dedicated BOPISstorage (possibly after standing in line and waiting), identifythemselves to that person, and then waiting for that person to go to thededicated BOPIS storage and retrieve their package. This implementationresults in a sub-optimal user experience for the customer, and anincreased burden on the staff, reducing the advantages of BOPIS. In somecases, establishments using the BOPIS model have a designated area(e.g., a shelf or table) where fulfilled orders are left by store staffto be picked up by the purchaser. Thieves may pose as the purchaser andtake items, for which someone else has paid, from the designated area.Also, customers may inadvertently pick-up another customer's order,leaving multiple customers without the items for which they have alreadypaid. Thus, there is a need, such as with the BOPIS model, forprotecting against theft of fulfilled orders while also streamlining thepick-up process to minimize the occurrence of order mix-ups.

Disclosed embodiments may involve systems, methods, and computerreadable media for verifying and controlling the in-store pick-up ofpurchased products. Embodiments may include an electronic securitysystem for an establishment offering in-store pick-up of products whichare attached to, or otherwise associated with, wirelessly transmittingtags. A customer may purchase products via an out-of-store transaction,such as online or via telephone. When the customer arrives at the storeto retrieve her order, she may notify the electronic security system viaa mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Based on thenotification, anti-theft alarms and other protections in the store maybe deactivated so that the customer may retrieve the purchased productsand exit without incident. However, the anti-theft alarms and otherprotections may remain active for all tagged products that have not beenpurchased or for which the system has not received a pick-upnotification from the purchaser. Thus, when a thief tries to take aproduct from the store without purchasing it or when a customerretrieves the wrong order, the electronic security system may detect thetag associated with the product and initiate the anti-theft alarms andother protections. Advantageously, disclosed embodiments may provideefficient and contact-free BOPIS transactions while also preventing thetheft or mix-up of customer orders.

Disclosed embodiments may include an electronic security system asdescribed elsewhere in this disclosure. The electronic security systemmay be further configured to include in the alarm, notification ordocumentation other information relating to the attempted intrusion ortheft, such as an identity or presumed identity of a person or personsidentified or presumed identified as participating in the event, or anidentification or presumed identification of an object or objectsinvolved in the event (including, but not limited to, an object whosetheft is being attempted, or other objects identified or presumedidentified during the event which are not the subject of the attemptedtheft or unauthorized intrusion). The electronic security system mayadditionally include other elements, circuitry, circuit components, andsystems that may be beneficial to detect and/or signal an unauthorizedintrusion, an attempted robbery, burglary, or theft, or another loss atthe designated location. An electronic security system may include oneor more of the foregoing elements.

In disclosed embodiments, the electronic security system may be providedfor an establishment offering in-store pick-up of previously purchasedproducts. In some embodiments, in-store pick-up of previously purchasedproducts may refer to a practice by which a customer, or another personauthorized to act on the customer's behalf, buys, rents, leases, orotherwise acquires one or more products from an establishment while notbeing physically present at the establishment, and at a later time takesphysical custody of the products from the establishment. Thus, betweenthe time of the purchase and the retrieval of the products by thecustomer, the products may be in the possession or control of theestablishment (e.g., held within the establishment) but may be owned orotherwise rightfully possessed by the customer. In some embodiments, thecustomer may purchase the products remotely, such as via telephone or ona website or application associated with the establishment. In somecases, such remote purchase (e.g. via an app or website) might occurwhile the purchaser is physically in the establishment or in itsvicinity, but wishes to not collect the purchased products immediatelybut rather have them ready for pick-up at some later time. An employeeof the establishment may then gather and pack the products that werepurchased by the customer and leave the products at a designated pick-uparea from which the customer may retrieve them; example pick-up areasmay include a designated shelf or table within the establishment.Additionally, or alternatively, the customer may purchase the productsat the establishment and leave the products at the establishment forretrieval at a later time. In some embodiments, the customer (or anotherauthorized to act on the customer's behalf) may enter the establishmentto retrieve the products and may exit with the products in theirpossession. Additionally, or alternatively, the customer may remainoutside in the vicinity of the establishment (e.g., in their automobile)and employees of the establishment may bring the products out to thecustomer (i.e., curbside pick-up). In some embodiments, the electronicsecurity system may notify the customer when their order is ready forpick-up, such as via text message, email, phone call, or pager.

In some disclosed embodiments, the previously purchased products mayhave associated wirelessly transmitting tags. As disclosed herein, awirelessly transmitting tag may include any wirelessly detectabledevice, such as, for example, a radio-frequency identification (RFID)device, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon device, a near fieldcommunication (NFC) device, a device including a microcontroller poweredby radio-frequency energy, or any other structure configured to transmitsignals capable of detection. In disclosed embodiments, a wirelesslytransmitting tag may include at least one antenna or any othercomponent, circuit and/or device configured for receiving and/oroutputting energy from the air or from any other medium. For example,the wirelessly transmitting tag may be configured to receive and/oroutput electromagnetic radiation, electric fields, magnetic fields,acoustic signals (such as in sonar applications), or optical signals(such as in laser applications). In some disclosed embodiments, thewirelessly transmitting tags may be configured to transmit signals inone or more predetermined frequency bands. Some non-limiting examples ofa predetermined frequency band may include a frequency band around 900MHz (which may include, e.g., ultra-high frequency RFID signals), afrequency band around 2.4 GHz (which may include, e.g., Bluetooth andWi-Fi), and a frequency band around 13.6 MHz (which may include, e.g.,high-frequency RFID and NFC). In some embodiments, the wirelesslytransmitting tag may not require a battery but may operate on harvestedenergy (as disclosed herein).

Disclosed embodiments may include in-store pick-up of products. Forexample, in-store pick-up of products may refer to a transfer ofpossession or control over one or more products (and, optionally,transfer of ownership) from an establishment to another person orentity, such as a purchaser of the products. In some embodiments, theperson picking up the products may buy, rent, lease, or otherwiseacquire the products beforehand (e.g., the products may be previouslypurchased products) or at the time of taking custody. In someembodiments, the person picking up the products may enter theestablishment to retrieve the products and may exit with the products intheir possession. Additionally, or alternatively, the person picking upthe products may remain outside in the vicinity of the establishment(e.g., in their automobile) and employees of the establishment may bringthe products out to them. In some embodiments, the electronic securitysystem may notify the person picking up the products when the productsare ready for pick-up, such as via text message, email, phone call, orpager. In disclosed embodiments, the products may be associated withwirelessly transmitting tags, as discussed above.

By way of example, FIG. 16 illustrates an electronic security system foran establishment offering in-store pick-up of previously purchasedproducts. Products sold in the establishment shown in FIG. 16 may haveassociated wirelessly transmitting tags, such as tags 1100. Theelectronic security system depicted in FIG. 16 may include EAS gates(discussed below) 1110, 1112 at each entrance, transmitters 13400a-13400 e configured to deliver energy to the tags 1100, and receivers11300 a-11300 h configured to detect transmissions from the tags 1100.In some embodiments, customers may purchase products within theestablishment, such as at a check-out counter, via self-service kiosk16010, or by completing the purchase on a mobile device (e.g., userdevice 11008 of FIG. 11). Once the purchase of a tagged product iscomplete, the electronic security system may be configured to disablealarm 1114 so that the customer may exit the establishment withoutinterruption. Additionally, or alternatively, customers may purchaseproducts remotely (e.g., online, on an application, or via telephone)and come into the establishment to pick-up their purchased products. Theestablishment may include a designated pick-up area such as a shelf13240, where staff of the establishment may leave orders that have beenplaced in a package 16012 and are ready for pick-up. As discussed indetail below, the electronic security system may be configured todisable alarm 1114 when a customer comes into the establishment topick-up her purchased products, so that the customer may exit theestablishment without interruption.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one electronic articlesurveillance (EAS) gate. As disclosed herein, an EAS gate may include asurveillance or theft-deterrent system having at least one antenna ortransmitter configured to transmit a wireless signal to a security tagattached to, or otherwise associated with, a product brought intoproximity with the EAS gate. In response to receiving the wirelesssignal from the EAS gate, the security tag may be configured to output asecond wireless signal which may be used to trigger an anti-theft alarm.In some embodiments, the antenna or transmitter of the EAS gate may beincorporated within one or more pedestals located near the entrance orexit of the establishment or at another designated location.Additionally, or alternatively, the EAS gate may include a concealed EASgate.

By way of example, FIG. 13D illustrates an exemplary EAS gate includinga first pedestal 1110 and a second pedestal 1112, each pedestal having atransmitter configured to transmit an EAS signal 13118 c within apredetermined frequency band, such as the band of 58-60 kHz (AM-EASwaves) and/or the band of 7-13 MHz (RF-EAS waves). EAS gate 1110, 1112may also include an EAS receiver configured to receive wireless signalswithin the same frequency band as EAS signal 13118 c. For example, theEAS receiver may receive a signal that is transmitted by an EAS securitytag that is brought into proximity with EAS gate 1110, 1112 andtriggered by EAS signal 13118 c. Upon receiving the wireless signals inthe same frequency band as EAS signal 1118, the EAS receiver may triggeran alarm indicating the passage of a tagged product through the EAS gate1110, 1112.

In some embodiments, an exemplary wirelessly transmitting tag 1100 maybe configured to detect EAS signal 13118 c when a product associatedwith the tag passes through EAS gate 1110, 1112. For example, theelectromagnetic energy of EAS signal 13118 c may be received by a coil2110 of the wirelessly transmitting tag 1100, thereby activating ortriggering the tag. Upon activation, wirelessly transmitting tag 1100may transmit an ID signal 13102 (e.g., with transmitter 2104 depicted inFIGS. 2 and 9). ID signal 13102 may have a different frequency than EASsignal 13118 c (e.g., ID signal 13102 may have a frequency around 2.4GHz and EAS signal 13118 c may be within a frequency band between 58-60kHz or 7-13 MHz). In some embodiments, an EAS receiver of gate 1110,1112 may not be triggered by ID signal 13102 because ID signal 13102 maybe outside the specified frequency band of the EAS receiver. In someembodiments, the wireless transmitting tag 1100 may not generate anysignal or interfere with any signal generated by the EAS gate 1110, 1120such that the tag cannot be detected by the EAS gate's receiver 1120.Instead, the electronic security system may include another receiver11300 h configured to receive ID signal 13102 and take one or morecorresponding actions, such as activating an alarm or transmitting asignal to at least one processor for completion of an electronicpurchase of the product associated with tag 1100.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one receiver configured toreceive transmissions from the wirelessly transmitting tags. Forexample, FIGS. 13A-13D depict an exemplary electronic security systemincluding a plurality of receivers 11300 a-h distributed throughout theestablishment to receive broadcasts of signals from the wireless tags1100 and other transmitting devices. Receivers 11300 a-h may be affixedor otherwise attached to walls, ceilings, racks, displays, or any otherfixtures or components within the establishment capable of supportingthe receiver. As shown in FIG. 13B, receivers 11300 a-h may beconfigured to receive transmissions of ID signal 13102 from wirelesslytransmitting tag 1100. Each receiver 11300 a-h may include at least oneof a first antenna 2112 tuned to receive energy at a frequency around900 MHz (e.g., RFID signals) and a second antenna 2114 tuned to receiveenergy at a frequency around 2.4 GHz (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE), or Classic Bluetooth). As shown in FIG. 11, receivers 11300 a-hmay be configured to receive data transmissions from wirelesslytransmitting tags 1100 and to transmit the data to other components ofwireless identification system 11000 via network 11002.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one processor. As discussedabove, the at least one processor may include any kind of electronicdevice, component or unit with data processing capabilities, including,by way of non-limiting example, a personal computer, a wearablecomputer, a tablet, a smartphone, a server, a computing system, a cloudcomputing platform, a communication device, a digital signal processor(DSP), an image signal processor (ISR), a microcontroller, a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a central processing unit (CPA), a graphics processingunit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), any other electroniccomputing device, or any combination of the above. In some embodiments,the at least one processor may include more than one processor. Eachprocessor may have a similar construction, or the processors may be ofdiffering constructions that are electrically connected or disconnectedfrom each other. As non-limiting examples, the at least one processormay include processor(s) 11004 of FIG. 11 and/or a processor(s) of WideArea Network (WAN) 17310 of FIG. 17.

Disclosed embodiments may involve receiving transmissions from at leastone of the wirelessly transmitting tags. As discussed above, thetransmissions from the wirelessly transmitting tags may be received bythe at least one receiver. Additionally, or alternatively, thetransmissions may be received by another component of the electronicsecurity system. In disclosed embodiments, receiving transmissions fromat least one of the wirelessly transmitting tags may include receivingtransmissions from one tag, from multiple tags, or from all of the tags.In some embodiments, transmissions may be received from the at least onewirelessly transmitting tag in response to receipt of an externalstimulus by the at least one tag. For example, the at least onewirelessly transmitting tag may broadcast the transmissions in responseto receiving energy from an exciter (such as transmitters 13400 a-134000e of FIGS. 13 and 16), when triggered by a user device (such as userdevice 11008), and/or in response to an EAS signal from EAS gate 1110,1112. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one wirelesslytransmitting tag may include an internal timing circuit configured totrigger the tag's transmissions according to a desired timing sequence,such as after a predetermined period elapses between transmissions,after a predetermined sequence of events is detected, or according to arandomized timing sequence. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 10,an exemplary wirelessly transmitting tag 1100 may include a crystaloscillator 10022 (an example of a timing circuit), which may provide areference clock signal to the tag's top-level controller 9020 to controlthe timing of transmissions by transmitter 2104. Additionally oralternatively, tag 1100 may include a real time clock 10024 (anotherexample of a timing circuit), which may provide a slow clock signal totop level controller 9020 to control the timing of transmissions bytransmitter 2104.

Disclosed embodiments may include an out-of-store product purchase. Asused herein, an out-of-store product purchase may refer to a transactionin which a purchaser buys, rents, leases, or otherwise acquires aproduct from an establishment, with the purchaser initiating orexecuting the transaction from a location other than the establishment.The purchaser may be located at any desired location at the time of thetransaction, such as in a home, business, vehicle, school, university,government building, religious building, or outdoors. In someembodiments, the purchaser may perform the out-of-store product purchasevia a website or application associated with the establishment, byelectronic correspondence (e.g., email, text message, or messagingservices such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype), over thetelephone, in writing (e.g., via written order or letter), or by anyother method for remotely purchasing a product from an establishment.

In disclosed embodiments, the out-of-store product purchase may includean electronic credit card transaction. For example, once the purchaserinitiates or executes the out-of-store product purchase, a processorperforming the out-of-store product purchase may be configured to chargethe purchase on a credit card, debit card, or other instrument held bythe purchaser or which the purchaser has been authorized to use tocomplete the out-of-store product purchase. As another example, awebsite or application on which the purchaser performs the out-of-storeproduct purchase may prompt the purchaser to enter her credit cardinformation to complete the transaction. As another example, the websiteor application may prompt the purchaser to select a credit card, debitcard, or other instrument from a digital wallet information to completethe transaction. Additionally, or alternatively, the out-of-storeproduct purchase may include debiting an account owned or otherwiseassociated with the purchaser. For example, the processor performing theout-of-store product purchase may be linked to a bank account or digitalwallet account held by the purchaser (e.g., PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay,Zelle) so that the processor may debit funds from the account tocomplete the out-of-store product purchase.

As an example, FIG. 17 depicts a Wide Area Network (WAN) 17310 forcommunication with a banking or digital wallet platform 17320. In someembodiments, a processor performing the out-of-store product purchase(e.g., a computer or mobile communications device in another location17324 such as the purchaser's home, or a processor within anestablishment 17312) may be configured to access a banking or digitalwallet platform 17320 associated with the purchaser to access funds forcompletion of the out-of-store product purchase. For example, theprocessor may be configured to access the banking or digital walletplatform 17320 to initiate the electronic credit card transaction or totransfer funds from the purchaser's account to an account associatedwith the establishment.

Disclosed embodiments may include accessing a purchase transactionrecord of an out-of-store product purchase. For example, one or moreprocessors may be configured to access a purchase transaction record ofan out-of-store product purchase. A purchase (or purchase transaction)may include an economic transaction where one party (a seller) providesa product or a service (the purchased product) to a second party (thebuyer), and the second party provides compensation (money,money-equivalent assets, another product or service, or a commitment toprovide such compensation at some future time) in return. A purchase (orpurchase transaction) may be performed in a place of business of theseller (e.g. a store), where the product or service is provided to thebuyer immediately, or remotely as in over a phone call or internetconnection, where the product or service is committed to be provided tothe buyer at some future time (e.g. by delivery, or by the buyer comingto the seller's place of business or to some other agreed-upon location,to receive the product or service). In disclosed embodiments, a purchasetransaction record may include an entry in a data structure containingthe required information describing a specific purchase, including theseller, the buyer, the provided product or service, the compensation,the times at which the product or service is provided to the buyer,and/or at which the compensation is provided to the seller. A purchasetransaction record may include data associated with transactions towhich the establishment was a party, including purchases, sales,conveyances of products, and/or any other interaction between theestablishment and another individual or entity resulting in the transferof ownership or possession of a product from one party to another party.In disclosed embodiments, the purchase transaction record may includeinformation related to purchased products. For example, the purchasetransaction record may include an identification of at least onepurchased product. In some embodiments, an identification of at leastone purchased product may include a unique identifier of the purchasedproduct such as a serial number, unique EPC code, stock keeping unit(SKU), universal product code (UPC), barcode, QR code, a unique databaseentry, or any other identifying information of the at least onepurchased product. The identification may additionally or alternativelybe associated with a group of purchased products. For example, a groupof purchased products which were purchased in the same transaction maybe bundled together and share a common ID. Additionally, oralternatively, an identification of at least one purchased product mayinclude descriptive information of the product such as the product'sstyle, price, size, weight, color, purchase history, and/or location.Additionally, or alternatively, an identification of at least onepurchased product may include information of the out-of-store productpurchase, such as an order number, timestamp, and/or price information.

Additionally, or alternatively, the purchase transaction record mayinclude information related to purchasers of products from theestablishment. For example, the purchase transaction record may includepurchaser-identifying information of a purchaser associated with the atleast one purchased product. In some embodiments, a purchaser associatedwith the at least one purchased product may include an owner or rightfulpossessor of the purchased product, an individual who executed theout-of-store product purchase, the owner of a device (e.g., computer orsmartphone) on which the out-of-store product purchase was performed, oran individual authorized to pick-up the purchased product from theestablishment. As used herein, purchaser-identifying information mayinclude information sufficient to identify a person (e.g., purchaser,buyer) who participated in a specific purchase transaction. For example,purchaser-identifying information may include a unique identifier of thepurchaser, such as their name, physical address, email address,birthday, customer number, loyalty program number, account number,credit or debit card information, a unique password or pass code, socialsecurity number, government-issued ID information (e.g., driver'slicense number), and/or any other information that is unique to thepurchaser or that may be used to link the purchaser to a specificpurchase transaction. Additionally, or alternatively,purchaser-identifying information may include information of anelectronic device owned or used by the purchaser, such as a phonenumber, mobile device identifier, unique device identifier (UDID),Android ID, international mobile equipment identity (IMEI), SIM cardnumber, media access control (MAC) address, serial number, or any otherinformation that is unique to the purchaser's device. In someembodiments, the purchase transaction record may include a purchasehistory of individual customers, including the purchaser associated withthe at least one purchased product. Additionally or alternatively, thepurchaser identification information may be unique to the transaction.For example, the system may assign a unique identifier to a particulartransaction involving one or more items.

Additionally, or alternatively, the purchase transaction record mayinclude information of individual transactions, including out-of-storeproduct purchase transactions. For example, the purchase transactionrecord may include the establishment from which a product was purchased,the date and time of a transaction, the employee who completed atransaction, a register or self-checkout device number, the number,type, style or other information related to the products in thetransaction, pricing information (e.g., total retail price, the price ofindividual products, taxes, promotional amounts (e.g. coupons),discounted price, and markdown amounts), the tender type and amount(e.g., cash, credit, check, charge, or coupon), specific informationabout each tender (e.g., credit card number, coupon identifier, andcheck number), and/or a unique identifier assigned to the transaction(such as an order number).

In some embodiments, the purchase transaction record may be stored in atleast one data structure that may be accessible by the at least oneprocessor and other authorized users and which may be configured toenable queries and retrieval of information therefrom. For example, thedata structure may include at least one of a local data structure and aremote storage component (e.g., a cloud-based data structure). In someembodiments, data included in the purchase transaction record may bereceived from a device or processor used to conduct a given transactionand added to the purchase transaction record. For example, purchasetransaction information may be received from a mobile communicationsdevice, a cash register, a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, ahandheld scanner, a computer terminal, or any other device configured toperform a transaction and convey information to the purchase transactionrecord. Additionally, or alternatively, information associated with atransaction may be entered manually into the purchase transactionrecord. The at least one processor may be configured to access thepurchase transaction record directly (e.g., via a Local Area Networkconnection) or indirectly (e.g., via a Wide Area Network connection). Insome embodiments, the purchase transaction record may be stored in thesame data structure as the information associated with the wirelesslytransmitting tags (e.g., unique tag IDs of each wirelessly transmittingtag). In alternative embodiments, the purchase transaction record andthe information associated with the tags may be stored in different datastructures, all of which may be accessed by the at least one processor.

FIG. 18 is a network diagram of an exemplary wireless identificationsystem 18110 for in-store pick-up of previously purchased products. Insome implementations, system 18110 may be established within, orotherwise associated with, at least one establishment as defined herein.System 18110 may include network 18112 enabling the exchange of dataand/or information between elements of the system such as processor(s)18114, mobile communications device 18116, receiver(s) 18118, alarmmechanism 18120, data structure 18122, and purchase transaction record18124. Network 18112 may include any type of wired and/or wirelesscomputer networking arrangement configured for exchanging data. Asnon-limiting examples, network 18112 may include a local Wi-Ficonnection in the at least one establishment, a wired or wireless LocalArea Network (LAN) connection, or a Wide Area Network (WAN) connection.

System 18110 may include at least one alarm mechanism 18120 configuredto initiate an alarm when, for example, an unauthorized intrusion intothe establishment, an attempted robbery or theft, or another loss isdetected. Alarm mechanism 18120 may include an audible alert (such asspeakers or a siren), a visual alert (such as lights or graphicdisplays), a haptic alert, a digital message, or any other transmissionthat conveys the desired information. In some embodiments, alarmmechanism 18120 may include fixed infrastructure within theestablishment (such as alarm 1114, which may include speakers, lights,and/or graphic displays), which may include components arranged atstrategic locations around the establishment such as at the entranceand/or exit, near a checkout counter or self-checkout kiosk, in astorage area, or next to the fitting rooms.

System 18110 may include at least one mobile communications device 18116configured for wired and/or wireless communication with network 18112.In some embodiments, mobile communications device 18116 may include auser device such as a cellular phone, smartphone, tablet, desktop,laptop, PDA, handheld scanner, wearable device, or other mobilecomputing device having computer programs (examples of applications) forcontrolling the operations of device 18116. For example, mobilecommunications device 18116 may include a user device 11008. In someembodiments, device 18116 may be configured to receive a user input andto transmit a corresponding signal to network 18112. For example, userinput may be received via a user interface (e.g., a touchscreen, keypad,or microphone), by collecting at least one image with a camera of thedevice 18116 (e.g., capturing an image of a wirelessly transmitting tag1100 or of a barcode or QR code associated with a product or a packageholding a product), by wired or wireless transmission of a user input tothe device 18116, or by any other means of conveying a user input todevice 18116. Additionally, or alternatively, device 18116 may includeat least one user interface configured to output a notification signalto the user, such as an audible signal, a visual signal, a hapticsignal, or another sensory signal; examples of a user interface mayinclude a display screen or a speaker.

Wireless identification system 18110 may include one or more receivers18118 configured to receive broadcasts of signals from wireless tags1100 and to exchange data and/or information with network 18112.Receivers 18118 may be configured to receive one or more identificationsignals 13102 from tags 1100 and to transmit data of the receivedidentification signals (e.g., a tag ID specified by the identificationsignal 13102 and/or a strength or power level of the signal) to network18112. In some embodiments, receivers 18118 may also be configured asexciters for delivering energy 18126 to be collected and stored by thewireless tags 1100. However, persons of ordinary skill will understandthat exemplary wireless identification system 18110 may includereceiver/exciter devices (such as device 1124), separate receiverdevices and exciter devices, or any desired combination thereof.

Wireless identification system 18110 may include at least one datastructure 18122 for storing inventory information of the establishment.In disclosed embodiments, the at least one data structure 18122 mayinclude at least one database, such as a local database for storinglocal information related with a particular facility or store, aregional database, or a global database. The at least one data structure18122 may contain data including, but not limited to, an inventory ofproducts offered by the establishment, product IDs of specific products,information of specific products (e.g., product style, size, color,material, location, manufacturing and/or shipping history, and/orownership information), purchase status of specific products (e.g.,whether a specific product has been purchased, picked up from theestablishment, or designated for return to the establishment),information of wirelessly transmitting tags 1100, tag IDs of thewirelessly transmitting tags 1100, associations between specific tagsand specific products, encryption keys of tags 1100, and/or informationof purchasers of specific products. Information stored in the at leastone data structure 18122 may be accessible to one or more processors18114 directly or indirectly through network 18112.

Wireless identification system 18110 may include a data structurecontaining a purchase transaction record 18124. As discussed above,purchase transaction record 18124 may include data of transactions towhich the establishment was a party, including purchases, sales,conveyances of products, and/or any other interaction between theestablishment and another individual or entity resulting in the transferof ownership or possession of a product from one party to another party.Purchase transaction record 18124 may include information related topurchased products (e.g., identifications of purchased products),information related to purchasers of products from the establishment(e.g., purchaser-identifying information of purchasers associated withpurchased products), and/or information of individual transactions. Indisclosed embodiments, the data structure containing purchasetransaction record 18124 may include at least one database, such as alocal database for storing local information related with a particularfacility or store, a regional database, or a global database.Information contained in the purchase transaction record 18124 may beaccessible to one or more processors 18114 directly or indirectlythrough network 18112. In some embodiments, purchase transaction record18124 may be stored in the at least one data structure 18122. Inalternative embodiments, purchase transaction record 18124 may be storedin a separate data structure from the at least one data structure 18122.

Wireless identification system 18110 may include at least one processor18114 configured to receive, store, and process information from thecomponents of system 18110. For example, processor 18114 may receive(via receivers 18118) and process information related to wirelessidentification tags 1100, receive data from and transmit data to mobilecommunications device 18116 and other processing devices, control theability of alarm mechanism 18120 to initiate an alarm, and access,look-up, read, add to, alter, delete, and share data contained in the atleast one data structure 18122 and purchase transaction record 18124.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving a unique tag ID of aspecific one of the wirelessly transmitting tags. For example, the atleast one processor may be configured to receive a unique tag ID of aspecific tag. A tag ID may include information of a given one of thewirelessly transmitting tags that uniquely identifies the tag to a userand/or to other devices or device components, such that a specific tagmay be differentiated from the other wirelessly transmitting tags. Insome embodiments, the tag ID may be unique to a specific tag, and thatspecific tag may have only one unique tag ID. Alternatively, the sametag may have multiple unique tag IDs. Examples of a unique tag ID mayinclude a serial number, part number, barcode, UUID, EPC, or other formsof data which may uniquely identify the corresponding tag to a userand/or to other devices.

In disclosed embodiments, the received tag ID may be a unique tag ID ofa specific tag associated with at least one specific product ininventory. That is, the unique tag ID may be associated with a specificone of the wirelessly transmitting tags which may, in turn, beassociated with a specific product in the establishment's inventory. Asused herein, an inventory may include a list, table, database,spreadsheet, or any other data structure containing information ofproducts that are offered by the establishment (e.g., products offeredfor sale, exchange, barter, or giveaway) or otherwise owned or possessedby the establishment. An inventory may include identifiers of specificproducts, such as stock keeping units (SKUs), universal product codes(UPCs), or serial numbers. For example, in a retail store, an inventorymay include all products that are on display for sale, stored in astorage area, or in the hands of customers but have not yet beenpurchased. In some embodiments, an inventory may not include damageditems that were returned by customers or identified by staff, or itemsthat have already been purchased but awaiting delivery or pick-up. Insome embodiments, an inventory may also include a tag ID of a specificone of the wirelessly transmitting tags that is associated with aspecific product in inventory.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one specific product associatedwith the received tag ID may correspond to the at least one purchasedproduct in the purchase transaction record. Some embodiments may includefinding the purchased product in the establishment's inventory andretrieving, from the inventory, the unique tag ID associated with thepurchased product; in such embodiments, the purchased product (includedin the purchase transaction record) may be the same item as the specificproduct in the establishment's inventory. These embodiments may includesales of one-of-a-kind or custom products, for which it is importantthat the purchaser receives the exact item for which she has paid. Forexample, the at least one processor may obtain the identification of thepurchased product from the purchase transaction record, search theestablishment's inventory for the purchased product (e.g., perform asearch of the purchased product's SKU, UPC, or serial number), and basedon the search, obtain information of the purchased product including theunique tag ID of the associated wirelessly transmitting tag.

Alternative embodiments may include finding a specific product in theestablishment's inventory that is similar or identical to the purchasedproduct in the purchase transaction record. When the specific product isfound in inventory, the unique tag ID of a wirelessly transmitting tagassociated with the specific product may also be received. For example,the at least one processor may obtain the identification of thepurchased product from the purchase transaction record, determinecharacteristics of the purchased product (e.g., the product's style,size, color, and price), and search the establishment's inventory for aspecific product having identical characteristics as the purchasedproduct. The at least one processor may then obtain information of thespecific product with the identical characteristics, including theunique tag ID of a wirelessly transmitting tag associated with thespecific product.

Disclosed embodiments may include assigning the at least one specificproduct to a record associated with the purchase transaction. In someembodiments, a record associated with the purchase transaction mayinclude data in the purchase transaction record pertaining to theout-of-store product purchase (which may include an identification ofthe purchased product and purchaser-identifying information, asdiscussed above). In some embodiments, assigning the at least onespecific product to a record associated with the purchase transactionmay include updating the purchase transaction record to include anassociation between the purchased product and the corresponding specificproduct in inventory. For example, the association may designate thespecific product as the merchandise that was conveyed in theout-of-store product purchase and, thus, may also designate the specificproduct as belonging to the purchaser. Additionally, or alternatively,assigning the at least one specific product to a record associated withthe purchase transaction may include updating the purchase transactionrecord to include information of the associated specific product ininventory, such as an identifier of the specific product (e.g., a stockkeeping unit (SKU), universal product code (UPC), or serial number) andthe unique tag ID of the wirelessly transmitting tag associated with thespecific product.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, a processor 18114 may receive anidentification of the purchased product from purchase transaction record18124. Processor 18114 may perform a search in data structure 18122 tofind the purchased product in the establishment's inventory.Alternatively, processor 18114 may perform a search in data structure18122 to find a specific product in inventory that is similar oridentical to the purchased product. Since data structure 18122 may alsocontain associations between individual products and wirelesslytransmitting tags 1100, processor 18114 may also receive the unique tagID of the tag 1100 that is associated with the specific product. In someembodiments, processor 18114 may assign the specific product to a recordassociated with the purchase transaction by updating purchasetransaction record 18124 to include the association between thepurchased product and the specific product in inventory. Additionally,or alternatively, processor 18114 may assign the specific product to arecord associated with the purchase transaction by updating purchasetransaction record 18124 to include information of the associatedspecific product in inventory, such as the unique tag ID of the tag 1100associated with the specific product.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving a notification from a mobilecommunications device associated with the purchaser. In someembodiments, a mobile communications device may include any movable orunfixed device, structure, or combination of devices configured toreceive and transmit wired and/or wireless communication signals.Examples of a mobile communications device may include a cellular phone,smartphone, tablet, personal computer, PDA, smart glasses, handheldscanner, wearable device, a combination of any of the forgoing or anyother mobile electronics configured for sending and/or receiving data.As a non-limiting example, FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment in which amobile communications device 18116 (e.g., a smartphone) may beconfigured for communication with network 18112. As used herein, amobile communications device “associated with” the purchaser may includea device owned or otherwise possessed by the purchaser; a device ownedor otherwise possessed by an individual authorized to pick-up thepurchased product from the establishment; a device authorized to receiveand transmit communications on behalf of the purchaser; a devicecommunicating via the purchaser's telephone number, email address,screen name, or other unique communication means; or a device loggedinto an account of the purchaser.

In disclosed embodiments, the received notification may include anotification that the at least one purchased product is being picked upat the establishment. For example, once the notification is receivedfrom the mobile communications device, the specific product in inventorycorresponding to the purchased product may be authorized for pick-up(e.g., authorized to leave the establishment). Referring again to theexample shown in FIG. 18, mobile communications device 18116 maytransmit (and in some embodiments, may generate) the notification thatthe purchased product is being picked up at the establishment. Device18116 may transmit the notification to a processor 18114 directly or vianetwork 18112.

In some embodiments, the notification that the purchased product isbeing picked up may include an electronic correspondence from the mobilecommunications device, such as an email, phone call, text message, ormessage via a messaging service. Additionally, or alternatively, themobile communications device may be used to access a website orapplication associated with the establishment; the website orapplication may include a user prompt or selection option (e.g., abutton, drop-down menu, or text field) that may be used to generate thenotification.

Additionally, or alternatively, the notification that the purchasedproduct is being picked up may be generated based on an interactionbetween the mobile communications device and at least one of thespecific product, a wirelessly transmitting tag of the specific product,or a package holding the specific product (discussed in detail below).For example, when the purchaser arrives at the establishment to pick-upthe specific product, she may use a camera of the mobile communicationsdevice to scan the wirelessly transmitting tag of the specific productor a tag or label on a package holding the specific product. Based onthe scan, the mobile communications device may generate the notificationand transmit the notification to the at least one processor.

Additionally, or alternatively, the notification that the purchasedproduct is being picked up may be generated based on locationinformation of the mobile communications device. For example, the mobilecommunications device or another processor may use location informationof the device (e.g., GPS data) to determine if a location of the devicecorresponds to the establishment or if the device is within apredetermined distance of the establishment or the specific product. Thenotification may be generated when it is determined, based on thelocation information of the mobile communications device, that thedevice is within the establishment or within the predetermined distancefrom the establishment or specific product. As another example, theelectronic security system may include at least one receiver or detectorconfigured to detect the mobile communications device and determine ifthe device is located within the establishment. In disclosedembodiments, the notification may be generated when it is determinedthat the mobile communications device is located within theestablishment.

In disclosed embodiments, the notification that the at least onepurchased product is being picked up may include location-identifyinginformation indicating that the mobile communications device associatedwith the purchaser is located within the establishment. For example, thelocation-identifying information may include GPS data, data of adevice-tracking program (e.g., Apple's Find My iPhone, Google's Find MyDevice, and Samsung's Find My Mobile), or other data indicating thelocation of the mobile communications device. In some embodiments, thenotification that the purchased product is being picked up may include acommunication that the mobile communications device is located withinthe establishment. Additionally, or alternatively, the notification thatthe purchased product is being picked up may include a designation ofthe device's location within the establishment. For example, thenotification may include a map specifying the device's location or thename of a reference location within the establishment that is near thedevice's location (e.g., a designation that the mobile communicationsdevice is near the fitting rooms, the pick-up area, or theestablishment's entrance).

In disclosed embodiments, the purchase transaction record may includeidentifying information of a package holding the at least one specificproduct during a pick-up waiting time at the establishment. As usedherein, a package may refer to a container, covering, or other structurethat partially or entirely encompasses the specific product. Forexample, a package holding the at least one specific product may includea box, a bag, a cup, a bottle or other vessel, wrapping paper orplastic, bubble wrap, an envelope, a crate, a container (e.g., ashipping container), a bucket, a tank, a jug, or any other structurethat partially or entirely encompasses the specific product. Indisclosed embodiments, an employee of the establishment or anotherindividual may retrieve the specific product(s) from inventory thatcorrespond to the purchased product(s), pack the specific product(s)within the package, and prepare the package to be picked-up from theestablishment. Once prepared, the package may be placed in a storagearea or in a designated pick-up area during a pick-up waiting time atthe establishment, so that the package may be retrieved by the purchaseror another authorized to pick-up the package. As used herein, a pick-upwaiting time at the establishment may include a time period between atime when the package is ready to be picked up and a time when thepackage is picked up. Alternatively, a pick-up waiting time at theestablishment may include a time period between a time when the packageis authorized to be picked up and a time when the package is picked up.Alternatively, a pick-up waiting time may also include a time periodwithin the day during which packages are placed in a pick-up area andAwait pick-up.

As a non-limiting example, FIG. 16 depicts an establishment having ashelf 13240 designated as a pick-up area for purchased products,including packages 16012 holding purchased products. A purchaser 1104who previously completed an out-of-store product purchase may enter theestablishment, identify the package 16012 on shelf 13240 holding herpurchased product(s), and leave the establishment with her package16012. Advantageously, this configuration may allow the purchaser tosave time (since she is not required to search the store for her desiredproducts or wait in a check-out line) and also to minimize interactionswith store staff and others.

To tell individual packages apart, each package may include identifyinginformation which may be included in the purchase transaction record.Thus, the purchaser may access the purchase transaction record to obtainthe identifying information of a package holding her purchased products.The identifying information of the package may be added automatically tothe purchase transaction record, such as by the at least one processorof the electronic security system, by the mobile communications deviceassociated with the purchaser, by a device used to perform theout-of-store product purchase, by a device associated with theestablishment (e.g., a handheld scanner, checkout station, or register),or by another processor or program. Additionally, or alternatively, theidentifying information of the package may be manually added to thepurchase transaction record, such as by the purchaser or by anindividual who packed the purchased product within the package or whoplaced the package at a pick-up area within the establishment.

In some embodiments, the identifying information of a package may beindicated in text, images, or a machine-readable printed code that maybe included on the package, included on a tag or label attached to orotherwise associated with the package, included on an object inside thepackage, or which may otherwise be provided in a way that identifies thepackage. For example, identifying information of a package may includean identifier of the purchaser (e.g., the purchaser's name or ID), anidentifier of the purchased product (e.g., a description of the product,the product's SKU, UPC, serial number, or barcode, or a tag ID of awirelessly transmitting tag associated with the product), or anidentifier of the purchase transaction of the product (e.g., an ordernumber, a barcode assigned to the transaction, or a number or ID of thepackage).

Additionally, or alternatively, the identifying information of thepackage may include information readable by the mobile communicationsdevice. For example, the identifying information of the package mayinclude information organized in a machine-readable format such ascomma-separated variables (CSV), resource description framework (RDF),JavaScript object notation (JSON), extensible markup language (XML), abarcode, a QR code, or other machine-readable formats. In someembodiments, the mobile communications device may receive theidentifying information of the package from another device or network.Additionally, or alternatively, the mobile communications device mayreceive the identifying information of the package by scanning a barcodeor QR code (which may be provided, for example, on the package, on a tagor label of the package, or on the specific product held in the package)In some embodiments, the package may be associated with a wirelesstransmitting tag attached to the package or placed inside the package,the wireless transmitting tag having been associated with the package atthe time of packing or at the time of placement in a pick-up area, orduring the remote purchase transaction or at any other time prior topick-up of the package. The mobile communications device may then scanthe wireless transmitting tag, receive its tag ID transmission (eitherdirectly or through receivers such as receiver 11300 a-h in FIG. 16),and use the tag ID as information uniquely identifying the specificpackage. In some embodiments, the notification from the mobilecommunications device that the at least one purchased product is beingpicked up at the establishment may include the identifying informationof the package holding the at least one specific product. For example,after receiving the identifying information of the package, the mobilecommunications device may transmit the notification (which may includethe identifying information of the package) to the at least oneprocessor. In some implementations, this may enable the processor toidentify the package that is referred to by the notification.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a package 16012 configured to holdproducts purchased from an establishment. Package 16012 may includeidentifying information, such as a printed identifier 19012 of thepurchaser and a machine-readable code 19014 (e.g., a QR code), which maybe included in purchase transaction record 18124. Mobile communicationsdevice 18116 associated with the purchaser may be configured to read thepackage identifying information; for example, device 18116 may beconfigured to capture an image of machine-readable code 19014 and obtainthe package identifying information from the image. Mobilecommunications device 18116 may transmit notification signal 19016 tonetwork 18112 and processors connected thereto (e.g., processor 18114).In some embodiments, notification signal 19016 may include some or allof the identifying information of package 16012 and may indicate thatthe at least one purchased product is being picked up at theestablishment.

In some embodiments, packages holding purchased products may haveassociated wirelessly transmitting tags. For example, one wirelesslytransmitting tag may be assigned to, or otherwise paired or correlatedwith, one package at the establishment. For example, the associationbetween a wirelessly transmitting tag and a corresponding package may bestored in a data structure. Additionally, or alternatively, a wirelesslytransmitting tag may be attached to a corresponding package throughadhesive, one or more mechanical connectors (e.g., clips or staples),tying, wrapping, fastening, or any other type of physical connection.Additionally, or alternatively, a wirelessly transmitting tag may beincorporated into the package without physical attachment, such as whena tag is placed freely inside the package along with the productscontained by the package, or when the tag is connected to a shelf, bin,drawer or other fixture on which or inside which the package may beplaced. The wirelessly transmitting tags associated with the packagesmay be of the same type or of a different type from the wirelesslytransmitting tags associated with the products offered by theestablishment. Due to associations between wirelessly transmitting tagsand packages at the establishment, the identifying information of apackage may include an identifier (i.e., a tag ID) of an associatedwirelessly transmitting tag.

In some embodiments, a wirelessly transmitting tag associated with apackage may be configured for near-field communication (NFC). Forexample, the tag associated with the package may be configured tocommunicate with the mobile communications device or other receivers viaNFC signals. In such embodiments, the identifying information of thepackage may include a Near Field Communication tag ID.

Additionally, or alternatively, a wirelessly transmitting tag associatedwith a package (referred to hereafter as a wirelessly transmittingpackage tag) may be similarly configured as wirelessly transmitting tagsassociated with products offered by the establishment. In suchembodiments, the identifying information of the package may include apackage tag ID of a wirelessly transmitting package tag associated withthe package. The package tag may be unassociated with any products inthe establishment. For example, the package tag may be devoid ofphysical connections to products in the establishment (e.g., the packagetag may be physically connected to a package but not to any products).Additionally, or alternatively, data structures of the establishment maynot include associations or pairings between wirelessly transmittingpackage tags and products of the establishment.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a package 16012 having an associatedwirelessly transmitting package tag 19018. In the example shown, packagetag 19018 may be adhered or otherwise connected to an outer surface ofpackage 16012. However, persons of ordinary skill will understand thatany suitable means may be employed to connect package tag 19018 withpackage 16012. Package tag 19018 may be devoid of associations with, andphysical connections to, products of the establishment; instead, packagetag 19018 may be uniquely associated with package 16012. In someembodiments, package tag 19018 may be configured to transmit signals(e.g., product tag ID signals) to receivers 18118 of the establishment.Additionally, or alternatively, package tag 19018 may be configured tocollect and store power transmitted from receiver 18118 (or receivers1300 a-11300 h) (which may be configured as an exciter) and to use thestored power to power operations of the package tag 19018.

In disclosed embodiments, a wirelessly transmitting package tag may beconfigured to detect an activation signal (e.g., an EAS signal)transmitted by an EAS gate when the package tag is brought in proximityto the EAS gate (e.g., when the package associated with the package tagis carried through the EAS gate). For example, when the package tagreceives the EAS signal from the EAS gate, the package tag may beconfigured to output a signal in a different frequency band than the EASsignal. The specific tag may further be configured to include in thetransmission information regarding the state of the tag, for exampleinformation indicating that the tag is transmitting the signal inresponse to receiving an EAS signal from an EAS gate. At least onereceiver of the electronic security system may receive the signalstransmitted by the package tag after the package tag receives the EASsignal from the EAS gate. However, the EAS gate may not detect thesignal transmitted by the package tag because the signal may be outsidea range of frequencies detected by the EAS gate. For example, the EASgate may be tuned to detect signals in a frequency range of about 7-13MHz and/or in a frequency range of about 58-60 kHz, while the packagetag may be configured to transmit signals within a frequency band around900 MHz and/or within a frequency band around 2.4 GHz. Thus, the packagetag (and other wirelessly transmitting tags disclosed herein) may beconfigured to come into proximity with the EAS gate, including passingthrough the EAS gate, without activating the EAS gate alarm.

Disclosed embodiments may include packages of the establishment, eachpackage holding at least one specific product purchased from theestablishment. The packages may have associated wirelessly transmittingpackage tags, while the specific products held by the packages (and,optionally, other products offered by the establishment) may not haveassociated wirelessly transmitting tags. In such embodiments, thewirelessly transmitting package tags associated with the packages may beconfigured to include all aspects of wirelessly transmitting tags and toperform all functions of wirelessly transmitting tags disclosed herein.Further, in such embodiments, the data structure may store an IDassociated with the wirelessly transmitting package tags in associationwith information identifying the one or more products (e.g., modelnumber, SKU number, price, or other product information) included in thepackage. For example, in some embodiments, wirelessly transmittingpackage tags (rather than wirelessly transmitting tags associated withproducts) may be implemented with electronic security systems disclosedherein. Additionally, or alternatively, disclosed embodiments mayinclude disabling an ability to initiate an alarm when a transmission isreceived from a specific package tag (rather than a specific tagassociated with a product) in proximity to an EAS gate.

Disclosed embodiments may involve authorizing pick-up of the at leastone specific product based on information received from the mobilecommunications device associated with the purchaser. Informationreceived from the mobile communications device may include anotification that the purchased product is being picked up (which may,in some embodiments, include identifying information of the packageholding the specific product) and/or other information received from themobile communications device. In some embodiments, authorizing thepick-up of the at least one specific product may include permitting thespecific product to be taken from the establishment. For example,authorizing pick-up may include disabling an ability to initiate analarm (discussed in detail below), updating a data structure to includean indication that the specific product is authorized for pick-up,and/or sending a notification to a device associated with theestablishment (e.g., an employee device or a computer) to move thespecific product from a storage area to a designated pick-up area, sothat the purchaser may retrieve the specific product from the pick-uparea without any impediments. Additionally, or alternatively,authorizing the pick-up of the at least one specific product may includesending a notification to the mobile communications device associatedwith the purchaser. For example, the notification may include pick-upinformation, such as a pick-up location, an identifier of a packageholding the specific product, or a photograph or other image of thespecific product and/or a package holding the specific product. Otherinformation that may be included in the pick-up notification may be acopy of the purchase invoice (including, for example, the time and placeof the remote purchase, the details of the purchased products, thedetails of the means of payments and whether payment was received andprocessed in order or not), information regarding a purchaser's LoyaltyAccount or other membership with the establishment (detailing forexample discounts received with the purchase, or points, miles, cashbackor other benefits achieved with the purchase), or recommendations forfuture purchases complementary to the products purchased in thistransaction, or to products previously purchased by the same purchaser,or any other product recommended by the establishment.

In disclosed embodiments, the purchase transaction record may includeinformation of a time period over which the at least one specificproduct is authorized for pick-up. For example, the purchaser mayspecify the time period while performing the out-of-store productpurchase, when sending the notification that the purchased product isbeing picked up, or at some other time. Alternatively, or additionally,the establishment may specify the time period during the out-of-storepurchase, when sending a notification to the purchaser that the order isready for pick-up, as a general policy of the establishment availablefor purchaser's to review, or at some other time. In some embodiments,pick-up of the specific product may be authorized or denied based onwhether the pick-up is attempted during the time period over which thespecific product is authorized for pick-up.

For example, disclosed embodiments may include checking, upon receivingthe notification that the at least one purchased product is being pickedup, whether the notification was received within the time period overwhich the at least one specific product is authorized for pick-up. As anillustrative example, processor 18114 shown in FIG. 18 may receive thenotification that the at least one purchased product is being picked upfrom mobile communications device 18116. Upon receiving thenotification, processor 18114 may access purchase transaction record18124 to obtain information stored therein indicating the time periodover which the at least one specific product is authorized for pick-up.Processor 18114 may then determine whether the notification was receivedfrom device 18116 within the time period. For example, processor 18114may receive a timestamp indicating when the notification was receivedfrom device 18116 (or when the notification was generated by device18116) and may determine whether the timestamp falls within the timeperiod.

Disclosed embodiments may include authorizing the pick-up if thenotification was received within the time period over which the at leastone specific product is authorized for pick-up. For example, and asdiscussed above, authorizing the pick-up may include permitting thespecific product to be taken from the establishment and/or sending anotification to the mobile communications device associated with thepurchaser. Disclosed embodiments may additionally or alternativelyinclude denying the pick-up if the notification was received outside ofthe time period over which the at least one specific product isauthorized for pick-up. For example, denying the pick-up may includesending a denial notification to the mobile communications deviceassociated with the purchaser, enable an ability to initiate an alarm,and updating a data structure to include an indication that a pick-up ofthe specific product was requested and denied.

Disclosed embodiments may include disabling an ability to initiate analarm. As used herein, an alarm may refer to an alert or notificationgenerated by a component of the electronic security system for notifyinganother component, another system, and/or a person that the electronicsecurity system has detected an unauthorized pick-up of the specificproduct or another intrusion into or loss from the establishment. Insome embodiments, the electronic security system may include fixedinfrastructure configured to initiate an alarm; examples may includespeakers, lights, and/or graphic displays arranged at strategiclocations within the establishment such as at the entrance and/or exit,near a checkout counter or self-checkout kiosk, in a storage area, ornear a pick-up area. The at least one processor may cause an alarm to beinitiated by causing activation of the alarm-initiating components ofthe electronic security system. Additionally, the at least one processormay disable an ability of the alarm-initiating components to initiate analarm. As a result, the alarm-initiating components may be controlled toforego initiating an alarm when a certain event occurs (e.g., when atagged product is brought through an EAS gate), even when the eventwould otherwise trigger an alarm.

Disclosed embodiments may involve disabling an ability to initiate analarm when the at least one receiver receives a transmission from thespecific tag in proximity to the EAS gate. In disclosed embodiments, thedisabling of the ability to initiate an alarm may occur following theauthorization of pick-up of the at least one specific product. Forexample, if a product is not authorized for pick-up, the alarminitiating components of the electronic security system may initiate analarm when a receiver detects an attempted passage of the product'swirelessly transmitting tag through the establishment's EAS gate (oranother security point). However, following the authorization of pick-upof the at least one specific product, the at least one processor mayupdate a data structure to include a designation that the specific tagassociated with the specific product is authorized to be picked up andto leave the establishment without triggering an alarm. As a result,when a receiver of the electronic security system receives atransmission from the specific tag in proximity to the EAS gate, the atleast one processor may determine that the specific tag is being broughtthrough the EAS gate and may perform a lookup of the specific tag ID.Upon determining that the specific tag ID is associated with a productauthorized for pick-up, the at least one processor may disable anability (e.g., of alarm components near the EAS gate) to initiate analarm so that the specific product may be brought through the EAS gatewithout interruption.

As an example, FIG. 16 depicts a purchaser 1104 using a mobilecommunications device (e.g., device 18116 of FIG. 18) to transmit anotification that a purchased product is being picked up from pick-uparea 13240. For example, the purchaser 1104 may use the mobilecommunications device to scan a barcode or other machine-readable codeon the purchased product and/or on a package 16012 holding the purchasedproduct; based on the scanned information, the mobile communicationsdevice may generate the notification and transmit the notification to aprocessor of the establishment (e.g., processor 18114 of FIG. 18). Basedon receiving the notification, the processor may authorize pick-up ofthe purchased product and disable an ability of alarm 1114 to sound whenthe purchased product approaches EAS gate 1110, 1112. When purchaser1104 approaches the EAS gate 1110, 1112 with the purchased product,receivers 11300 may receive signals transmitted from the purchasedproduct's wirelessly transmitting tag. The processor may perform alookup of the detected tag's ID and determine that the tag is associatedwith a product that is authorized for pick-up. The processor may disablealarm 1114 near EAS gate 1110, 1112 so that purchaser 1104 may exitthrough the EAS gate with her purchased products without being stoppedor interrupted by the alarm.

In disclosed embodiments, disabling the ability to initiate an alarm mayinclude performing a lookup of the unique tag ID to determine that theassociated at least one specific product is authorized for pick-up. Asnon-limiting examples, the data structure may include data structure18122, purchase transaction record 18124, and/or another data structure.The at least one processor may perform a lookup of the unique tag ID inthe data structure to access information of the specific productassociated with the unique tag ID. The at least one processor maydetermine if the information of the specific product includes adesignation that the product is authorized for pick-up.

When it is determined that the specific product is authorized forpick-up, the at least one processor may update the data structure todesignate at least one of the specific product, the associated specifictag, or a package holding the specific product as being authorized topass through the EAS gate without an alarm being initiated. For example,the at least one processor may update a data structure to include aninstruction not to initiate the alarm when the at least one receiverreceives a transmission from the specific tag in proximity to the EASgate, which may indicate that the specific tag is passing through theEAS gate. In some embodiments, the data structure to be updated mayinclude inventory information of the establishment. As non-limitingexamples, updating a data structure may include updating at least one ofdata structure 18122, purchase transaction record 18124, or another datastructure. In some embodiments, updating the data structure to includethe instruction not to initiate the alarm may include removing theunique tag ID and a product ID of the associated at least one specificproduct from the data structure. As a result, the unique tag ID and theproduct ID may no longer be counted as part of the establishmentinventory available for sale. In alternative embodiments, updating thedata structure to include the instruction not to initiate the alarm mayinclude changing a status indicator in the data structure of thespecific product and/or the specific tag to indicate that the specificproduct is authorized for pick-up and, accordingly, is also authorizedto pass through the EAS gate without initiating the alarm.

Disclosed embodiments may include a plurality of transmitters forwirelessly sending power to the wirelessly transmitting tags. Indisclosed embodiments, the at least one receiver may be configured toreceive transmissions upon detection of the EAS gate by the specifictag. The specific tag may further be configured to include in thetransmission information regarding the state of the tag, for exampleinformation indicating that the tag is transmitting the signal inresponse to receiving an EAS signal from an EAS gate.

In disclosed embodiments, the wirelessly transmitting tags may beconfigured to transmit immediately upon sensing the EAS gate (e.g., uponreceiving the EAS signal from the EAS gate). As used herein,transmitting “immediately” may mean that the wirelessly transmittingtags are configured to transmit signals as soon as possible upon sensingthe EAS gate, and that the tags may not be programmed to wait aspecified delay period after sensing the EAS gate before transmittingsignals. Sensing an EAS gate may include receiving, via dedicated means,a signal transmitted by the EAS gate. Sensing the EAS gate may alsoinclude identifying, above a threshold sensitivity level, that thereceived signal's properties match those expected from an EAS gate'ssignal. Sensing the EAS gate may further include generating an internalsignal in the tag indicating that the EAS gate's signal was identified.Additionally, or alternatively, the wirelessly transmitting tags may beconfigured to transmit an ID transmission indicating proximity to theEAS gate upon sensing the EAS gate. For example, after a wirelesslytransmitting tag receives the EAS signal from an EAS gate, the tag maybe configured to transmit a signal indicating the tag's unique tag ID.Thus, the source of the signal may be determined based on the tag IDspecified by the signal. In some embodiments, a signal transmitted bythe tag based on sensing the EAS gate may differ from signalstransmitted by the tag based on other triggers. For example, thetransmitted signals may differ in at least one aspect, such astransmission power level, phase, duration, frequency, length of a delayperiod before beginning transmissions, and/or information containedwithin the signal. In some embodiments, the tag may only sense the EASgate when the tag is in close enough proximity to the EAS gate to detectthe EAS signals. Thus, the signal transmitted by the tag based uponsensing the EAS gate may indicate proximity of the tag to the EAS gate,since the signal is different from signals transmitted by the tag inother situations.

For example, FIG. 1 depicts a purchaser 1104 exiting through an EAS gate1110, 1112 with a first product 1106 with a first wirelesslytransmitting tag 1100 a, and also with a second product 1122 with asecond wirelessly transmitting tag 1100 b. Tags 1100 a and 1100 b may beconfigured to detect EAS gate 1110, 1112 based on receiving EAS signal1118. In response, tags 1100 a and 1100 b may immediately transmit tagID signals 1102 a and 1102 b, without including a delay period beforebeginning the transmissions. Receiver 1124 of the electronic securitysystem may detect tag ID signals 1102 a and 1102 b and a processor ofthe electronic security system (e.g., processor 11004 of FIG. 11 orprocessor 18114 of FIG. 18) may determine whether the detected IDsignals 1102 a and 1102 b are associated with products that areauthorized to pass through EAS gate 1110, 1112 (e.g., products that areauthorized for pick-up from the establishment). In some embodiments, theprocessor may cause activation of an alert mechanism such as an audiblealert or a flashing light to signal that products 1106 and 1122 are notauthorized to leave the establishment. However, if products 1106 and1122 are authorized to leave the establishment, the processor maydisable activation of the alert mechanism while purchaser 1104 passesthrough the EAS gate with the products.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one processor may be configuredto determine, based on transmissions received by the at least onereceiver, tag locations at the time of transmission, thereby determiningtag proximity to the EAS gate. For example, the proximity of the tag tothe EAS gate may be ascertained by the at least one processor based onthe range of transmission of the EAS gate signals, outside of which thespecific tag would not receive the EAS gate signal and therefore wouldnot transmit. By way of example, FIGS. 13A and 13C depict a product13210 hanging from a shelf that may contain a wirelessly transmittingtag 1100 configured to transmit an ID signal 13102. Due to the proximityof tag 1100 to receiver 11300 c (see FIG. 13C), the power level of thesignal 13102 received by receiver 11300 c may be higher than the powerlevel of the signals 13102 received by other receivers located furtheraway from tag 1100 (e.g., receivers 11300 b and 11300 d). Therefore, theat least one processor of the electronic security system may determinethat the product 13210 is located on or near the shelf of FIG. 13C sincethe locations of receiver 11300 c and the shelf may be known beforehand.

Disclosed embodiments may include an electronic security system forfacilitating returns of purchased items to the establishments from whichthey were purchased and for preventing theft of returned items. As thenumber of online purchases increases, so do the number of merchandisereturns. It is estimated that the return rate for remote purchases(including online transactions) is almost four times greater than thereturn rate of products purchased in-store, and in some markets andsegments may reach 50% or more of all online purchases. This hasresulted in a large increase in the number of in-store returntransactions, especially since some retailers charge return shipmentcosts that many consumers prefer to avoid paying. Currently, mostin-store return transactions require the customer to wait in line toreach a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, where a staff member may completethe return. The increased number of in-store returns may be unprofitablefor retailers since many customers returning merchandise do not makeadditional purchases while in the store; this increased traffic inretail establishments may result in longer wait times for customersmaking new purchases, while also making it more difficult for customersto locate desired items within the store. Further, social distancing maybe difficult due to the increased number of people in a store at a giventime. Thus, there is a need for a returns model that allows fast andcontact-free returns of items in-store while securing returned itemsagainst theft and other losses.

Disclosed embodiments may involve systems, methods, and computerreadable media for expediting and safeguarding in-store returns ofpreviously purchased products. Embodiments may include an electronicsecurity system for an establishment offering products which areattached to, or otherwise associated with, wirelessly transmitting tags.When a purchaser wishes to return a purchased product to theestablishment, she may bring the product into the establishment, placethe product in a designated drop-off location, and notify the electronicsecurity system that the product has been returned (such as by using hermobile device to scan the product, its wirelessly transmitting tag, or apackage holding the product). The electronic security system may verifythat the correct product was returned to the establishment (such as byconfirming the identity of the attached wirelessly transmitting tag) andmay control the establishment's security gates and other anti-theftalarms to initiate an alert if anyone tries to take the returned productfrom the establishment without paying for it. Moreover, once thecondition of the returned product is approved, the electronic securitysystem may automatically reimburse the purchaser for the returnedproduct. Advantageously, disclosed embodiments may enable quick andlow-contact returns of merchandise, while also preventing theft andother losses of returned items from the establishment.

Disclosed embodiments may include an electronic security system, asdefined elsewhere in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, anelectronic security system may be configured for preventing theft ofreturned goods or items. As used herein, returned goods and returneditems may include any object or material that was previously sold,given, distributed, or otherwise transferred from a first party (e.g., aseller) to a second party (e.g., a purchaser), and subsequentlytransferred back to the first party or to a third party that isassociated with the first party. In some embodiments, the purchaser mayreturn (e.g., transfer) the goods or items back to the seller inexchange for some or all of the purchase price of the goods or items. Byway of non-limiting examples, a returned good or item may include food,clothing, shoes, electronics, consumer goods, equipment, vehicles,consumables, packaging, accessories, supplies, materials, artistry,animals, instruments, pallets, containers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics,commodities, articles, devices, machinery, implements, mechanisms,tools, furniture, or any other object that may be transferred betweentwo or more parties.

Disclosed embodiments may include preventing theft of returned goodsand/or returned items. Embodiments for preventing theft of returnedgoods and returned items may include any arrangement of hardware andsoftware components for detecting, signaling, and/or hindering anytaking or removal of a returned good or item without the permission orconsent of the good's or item's owner or rightful possessor. Disclosedembodiments may be configured to enable the return of goods and items toa store or other establishment and to prevent the returned goods oritems from being stolen, pilfered, or unlawfully removed from theestablishment; embodiments may, for example, permit the removal ofreturned goods and returned items from an establishment when thereturned goods or items have been repurchased or authorized for removal(e.g., when returned goods or items are to be sent to an off-siteinventory or donated to charity). Disclosed embodiments may beconfigured to detect a removal of a returned good or item from a storeor other establishment, such as the removal of a returned good or itemfrom a designated shelf, table, or other storage location or the passageof a returned good or item through an entryway, exit, security gate,window, doorway, or another checkpoint in an establishment.Additionally, or alternatively, disclosed embodiments may be configuredto determine when a taking or removal of a returned good or item isunauthorized. For example, embodiments may determine when a returnedgood or item has not been paid for, is not authorized to be taken fromthe establishment, or is being taken by the wrong person.

In disclosed embodiments, returned items may include wirelessly taggedreturned items. As used herein, a wirelessly tagged returned item mayinclude any returned item having at least one wireless tag. In someembodiments, a wireless tag may include any device or structureconfigured to identify the returned item or otherwise convey informationabout the returned item via wireless means. As a non-limiting example, awireless tag may include a wirelessly transmitting tag, discussed indetail herein. As another non-limiting example, a wireless tag mayinclude a non-transmitting device or structure bearing an identifier orother information of the corresponding returned item. Examples of awireless tag may include stickers, adhesive tags or labels, hangingtags, buttons, sewn-on labels, tape, clip-on tags, and any otherstructure for identifying the returned item without use of wires. Insome embodiments, a wireless tag may be attached or connected to acorresponding returned item through adhesive, embedding, sewing,mounting, bonding, friction fit, pocketing, tying, wrapping, fastening,or any other type of physical connection. Additionally, oralternatively, an association (e.g., an assigned pairing or correlation)between a returned item and a wireless tag may be established and storedin a data structure without a physical attachment between the tag andthe returned item, such as when a tag is placed in the same packaging asthe product.

By way of example, FIG. 16 illustrates an electronic security system foran establishment offering products with associated wireless tags (e.g.,wirelessly transmitting tags 1100). Customers may purchase products fromthe establishment in-store or remotely (e.g., online or over thetelephone) and may pick-up purchased products at the establishment ormay have purchased products delivered (e.g., via mail, UPS, FedEx, orcourier) to the customer's home or another delivery location. To returnpurchased items to the establishment, customers may bring purchasedproducts 16016 to the establishment and complete a return transactionwith a smartphone or another mobile communications device. For example,a previous purchaser 1104 a may return purchased products 16016 bybringing the products into the establishment and leaving them at adesignated drop-off area 16014, such as a shelf, bin, or table. Products16016 may be returned alone or in a bag or package. In some embodiments,previous purchaser 1104 a may complete the return by indicating to theelectronic security system which products she wishes to return. In thedepicted example, previous purchaser 1104 a may use her mobile device(e.g., mobile communications device 18116) to scan QR codes or barcodeson the products or on packages holding the products, and the mobiledevice and/or a processor of the establishment may determine theproducts associated with the scanned codes and indicate that theproducts have been returned to the establishment. Once the returntransaction is confirmed by the establishment (e.g., once store staffconfirm the condition of returned products 16016), the electronicsecurity system may automatically reimburse previous purchaser 1104 afor the returned products.

In some embodiments, the returned products 16016 may have associatedwirelessly transmitting tags 1100. In some embodiments, alarm components1114 (e.g., sirens or flashing lights) may be controlled to foregoinitiating an alarm when previous purchaser 1104 a brings the taggedproducts 16016 into the establishment. However, after the products arereturned, alarm components 1114 may be re-activated with respect to thereturned products 16016, so that an alarm may be triggered if any of thereturned products are detected passing through security gate 1110, 1112.Advantageously, this reactivation may prevent a thief from grabbing areturned product 16016 from returns area 16014 and removing it from theestablishment. Further, disclosed embodiments may enable customers toreturn products to the establishment without interacting with storestaff or waiting to access a point-of-sale (POS) terminal.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one electronic articlesurveillance (EAS) gate, as discussed throughout this disclosure. The atleast one EAS gate may include an Acousto-Magnetic EAS (AM-EAS) gate,which may generate a time-varying magnetic field configured to interactwith a mechanically-vibrating magnetic element in a security tagattached to a product in a store. Additionally, or alternatively, the atleast one EAS gate may include a Radio-Frequency EAS (RF-EAS) gate,which may generate a frequency-swept magnetic field configured tointeract with a finely-tuned resonance circuit in a security tag.Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one EAS gate may include aMicro-Wave EAS (MW-EAS) gate, which may send RFID transmissions to andreceive RFID transmissions from a security tag.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one EAS gate may be provided inan establishment. In some embodiments, the at least one EAS gate may belocated within the establishment at or near an entrance and/or exit tothe establishment, within a doorway between rooms of the establishment,or at any other location within the establishment. If the EAS gateincludes more than one pedestal, the pedestals may be spaced a distanceapart to allow patrons to enter and exit the establishment between thepedestals with minimum hindrance, while the pedestals are within a closeenough range of each other to be triggered by a passing EAS tag orwirelessly transmitting tag. Additionally, or alternatively, the atleast one EAS gate may include a concealed EAS gate with a pedestalinstalled within the establishment below the floor, above the ceiling,or behind the walls.

By way of example, FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary establishment havingEAS gates 1110, 1112 located at an entrance 16018 and at an exit 16020.In some embodiments, EAS gates 1110, 1112 may be located within thedoorway of entrance 16018 and exit 16020 or, alternatively, within theestablishment a short distance from the entrance and exit (e.g.,immediately adjacent to entrance 16018 and/or exit 16020). In someembodiments, EAS gates 1110, 1112 may each include a transmitterconfigured to transmit an EAS signal within a predetermined frequencyband; for example, the transmitted EAS signal may includeelectromagnetic energy having a frequency, for example, within the bandof 58-60 kHz (AM-EAS waves) or 7-13 MHz (RF-EAS waves). EAS gate 1110,1112 may also include an EAS receiver configured to receive wirelesssignals within the same frequency band as the transmitted EAS signal.For example, an EAS security tag brought near EAS gate 1110, 1112 maydetect the transmitted EAS signal and, in response, may transmit orreflect a second signal at the same frequency back to the EAS gate 1110,1112. Upon receiving this second signal from the security tag, the EASgate 1110, 1112 may trigger an alarm 1114 indicating the passage of atagged product through the EAS gate. As another example, a wirelesslytransmitting tag 1100 near EAS gate 1110, 1112 may detect thetransmitted EAS signal and, in response, transmit a second signal havinga different frequency than the EAS signal. In some embodiments, EAS gate1110, 1112 may not be triggered by tag 1100 because the signaltransmitted by tag 1100 may be outside the specified frequency band ofthe EAS receiver. Thus, wirelessly transmitting tag 1100 may remain“invisible” to EAS gate 1110, 1112 (that is, a signal transmitted by tag1100 may not trigger a response by the EAS gate).

Disclosed embodiments may include wirelessly transmitting tags. Indisclosed embodiments, a wirelessly transmitting tag may include atleast one antenna or any other component and/or device configured fortransmitting, and optionally also for receiving, information and/orenergy from the air or from any other medium. In disclosed embodiments,the wirelessly transmitting tags may be configured to transmit andreceive signals in one or more predetermined frequency bands.

In some embodiments, wirelessly transmitting tags may be attached toproducts offered in or previously purchased from the establishment. Forexample, tags may be attached to products through adhesive, embedding,sewing, mounting, bonding, friction fit, pocketing, tying, wrapping,fastening, or any other type of physical connection. Additionally, oralternatively, a wirelessly transmitting tag may be assigned to, orotherwise paired or correlated with, a product or a package holding aproduct, without a physical attachment between them. For example, apairing or association between a wirelessly transmitting tag and anassociated product may be pre-established and stored in a datastructure.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving transmissions fromwirelessly transmitting tags. In some embodiments, signals transmittedfrom a wirelessly transmitting tag may include information of the tag'sidentity (e.g., an alphanumeric ID or serial number); thus, the identityof the transmitting tag may be determined by evaluating the IDinformation in the signal transmitted by the tag.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one receiver configured toreceive transmissions from wirelessly transmitting tags. In disclosedembodiments, a receiver may include a fixed receiver in an environment,a wireless user device (e.g., cellphone, tablet, dedicated hardware,etc.), a handheld receiver (e.g., a handheld scanner provided to anemployee or customer by the establishment for use during workingroutines or in a shopping session), or any other circuit or componentthat receives signals. Disclosed embodiments may include one or morereceivers fixed at designated locations within the establishment; forexample, receivers may be distributed throughout the establishment sothat signals transmitted from any point within the establishment may bereceived by at least one of the receivers. Additionally, oralternatively, embodiments may include one or more mobile receivers(e.g., a wireless user device or a handheld receiver) which may beplaced or held by a user at a desired location within the establishment.

FIG. 16 depicts another example of an electronic security systemincluding a plurality of receivers 11300 a-h distributed throughout theestablishment to receive broadcasts of signals from wirelesslytransmitting tags 1100 and other transmitting devices. Receivers 11300a-h may be affixed or otherwise attached to walls, ceilings, racks,displays, or any other fixtures or components within the establishmentcapable of supporting the receiver. In some embodiments, wirelesslytransmitting tags 1100 may be attached to products offered in theestablishment, including previously purchased products. Additionally, oralternatively, wirelessly transmitting tags 1100 may be attached topackages holding products, such as package 16012 depicted in FIG. 19.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one processor as describedelsewhere in this disclosure. In disclosed embodiments, the at least oneprocessor may be configured to receive and transmit information via atleast one communications interface. As used herein, a communicationsinterface may include any type of physical or wireless networkingarrangement enabling the interchange of information between two or moreentities conforming to an agreed-upon protocol. For example, acommunications interface may include a wired or wireless network, suchas the Internet, a private data network, a virtual private network usinga public network, a Wi-Fi network, a LAN or WAN network, and/or othersuitable connections that may enable information exchange among variouscomponents of embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, acommunications interface may include one or more physical links used toexchange data, such as a telephone line, Ethernet, USB, Thunderbolt,coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, fiber optics, or any other suitablephysical medium for exchanging data. A communications interface may alsoinclude a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”), a wirelesscellular network, and/or a logical connection overlaid on anotherinterface (such as TCP-IP and UDP). Some embodiments of a communicationsinterface may include communicating directly through a dedicatedcommunication network. Direct communications may use any suitabletechnologies, including, for example, Bluetooth™, Bluetooth Low Energy™(BLE), Zigbee, Wi-Fi, near field communications (NFC), or other suitablecommunication methods that provide a medium for exchanging data and/orinformation between separate entities.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving a notification from a mobilecommunications device. For example, the at least one processor may beconfigured to receive a notification from a mobile communicationsdevice. As used herein, a notification may include a communicationsignal generated by a first component of a system to alert at least oneof a second component of the system, another system, or a user, of theoccurrence of a certain event. In some embodiments, a notification maybe generated and transmitted by an electronic device, component, or unitwith data processing capabilities including, by way of non-limitingexample, a personal computer, a wearable computer, a tablet, asmartphone, a server, a computing system or terminal, a cloud computingplatform, a communication device, any other electronic computing device,or any combination of the above. The notification may be received by asecond electronic device, component, or unit with data processingcapabilities and/or by a human user; for example, a notification mayinclude a digital signal transmitted from a first electronic device to asecond electronic device. In some embodiments, a notification may beused to control a user interface to output at least one of an audiblesignal (e.g., a siren or voice recording), a visual signal (e.g.,flashing lights or a digital display), a haptic output (e.g., vibrationof a user device), or any other output perceptible to a user, to conveyinformation of the notification to the user.

In some embodiments, a mobile communications device may include anymovable or unfixed device or structure configured to receive andtransmit wired and/or wireless communication signals, includingexemplary notification signals discussed above. In some embodiments, amobile communications device may be configured to detect the occurrenceof a certain event (e.g., receipt of a certain user input) and transmita corresponding notification to a processor of the electronic securitysystem, to another device, and/or to a user.

In disclosed embodiments, the mobile communications device may beassociated with a previous purchaser. In various embodiments, a previouspurchaser may include a person or entity who bought, rented, leased,borrowed, was gifted, or otherwise acquired a specific product from anestablishment; a person or entity who bought or otherwise acquired aspecific product from another person or entity who, in turn, bought orotherwise acquired a specific product from an establishment (e.g., adownstream purchaser); the legal owner or possessor of a specificproduct; or a person or entity authorized to return a specific productto an establishment on behalf of the owner or legal possessor of theproduct. As used herein, a mobile communications device “associatedwith” a previous purchaser may include a device owned or otherwisepossessed by the previous purchaser; a device owned or otherwisepossessed by an individual authorized to return a product to anestablishment on behalf of the owner or legal possessor of the product;a device authorized to receive and transmit communications on behalf ofthe previous purchaser; a device communicating via the previouspurchaser's telephone number, email address, screen name, or otherunique communication means; or a device logged into an account of theprevious purchaser.

In disclosed embodiments, the received notification may include anotification of intent to return a previously purchased product to theestablishment. For example, the notification may include anidentification of products that were previously purchased from theestablishment (by the previous purchaser or by another) and which theprevious purchaser wishes to return or transfer back to theestablishment. In some embodiments, the previous purchaser may return(or intend to return) the previously purchased product to theestablishment for a refund of some or all of the purchase price, toexchange the previously purchased product for another product, or foranother type of reimbursement. In some embodiments, the previouspurchaser may use the mobile communications device to access a websiteor to run an application associated with the establishment which maycontain the previous purchaser's transaction history and/or a record ofproducts owned or possessed by the previous purchaser. The previouspurchaser may generate the notification by selecting, on the website orapplication, one or more products to be returned to the establishment,and the mobile communications device may transmit information of theselected products (e.g., the products to be returned) to the at leastone processor. In some implementations, the previous purchaser mayreceive an estimated refund amount, return instructions, or otherinformation during or after generation of the notification.

In alternative embodiments, the previous purchaser may use the mobilecommunications device to interact with the products to be returned, toobtain information about the products. The mobile communications devicemay then transmit the information about the products to the at least oneprocessor. For example, the previous purchaser may use the mobilecommunications device to scan or capture an image of a QR code, barcode,serial number, or another unique identifier of each product that shewishes to return. In some embodiments, the mobile communications devicemay identify the products associated with the scanned codes (e.g., byaccessing a data structure containing associations between specificproducts and unique product identifiers like barcodes or serial numbers)and transmit information of the identified products to the at least oneprocessor. Alternatively, the mobile communications device may transmitthe scanned codes to the at least one processor, which may use the codesto identify the products to be returned.

As another example, the mobile communications device may be configuredto receive transmissions from wirelessly transmitting tags associatedwith the products to be returned; the transmissions may be sent via acommunication protocol such as Bluetooth or NFC. In some embodiments,the signals transmitted by a specific tag may include identifyinginformation about the tag, such as the tag's unique identifier (tag ID).In some embodiments, the mobile communications device may receive atransmitted signal from a wirelessly identifying tag, identify a productassociated with the tag (e.g., by accessing a data structure containingassociations between specific products and unique tag IDs), and transmitinformation of the identified product to the at least one processor.Alternatively, the mobile communications device may send the tag IDinformation received from the wirelessly transmitting tag to the atleast one processor, which may use the tag ID to identify the product tobe returned.

For example, FIG. 18 depicts a network diagram of an exemplary wirelessidentification system 18110 for an establishment offering products withassociated wirelessly transmitting tags 1100. As discussed elsewhere inthe present disclosure, system 18110 may include network 18112 enablingthe exchange of data between elements of the system, includingprocessor(s) 18114, mobile communications device 18116, data structure18122, and purchase transaction record 18124. In some embodiments, atleast one data structure 18122 may be provided for storing inventoryinformation of the establishment, including information of specificproducts offered in the establishment. Additionally, or alternatively,the at least one data structure 18122 may contain information ofwirelessly transmitting tags 1100, such as tag IDs of each tag 1100 andassociations between specific tags and specific products. In someembodiments, system 18110 may include a data structure containing apurchase transaction record 18124. As discussed elsewhere in the presentdisclosure, purchase transaction record 18124 may include data ofindividual transactions (e.g., the specific product(s) sold in a giventransaction) and data of purchasers (e.g., unique purchaser identifiersand purchase histories).

In some embodiments, a customer wishing to return a previously purchasedproduct to an establishment may use mobile communications device 18116to transmit a notification of intent to return the product toprocessor(s) 18114. For example, the customer may use device 18116 toaccess a website or run an application to generate the notification. Asa non-limiting example, FIGS. 20A and 20B depict exemplary graphicaluser interfaces (GUIs) for generating a notification of intent to returnone or more previously purchased products. In some embodiments, thecustomer may use mobile communications device 18116 to access a websiteor run an application associated with an establishment; the website orapplication may include GUIs 20110 and 20210 for generatingnotifications of intent to return products to the establishment.

FIG. 20A illustrates a non-limiting example of a graphical userinterface (GUI) 20110 displayed on mobile communications device 18116for accessing information of products that were previously purchased by,or otherwise acquired by, a customer. For example, GUI 20110 may includea first field 20112 in which the customer may enter her unique purchaseridentifier (“user ID”), which may include, e.g., a user name, emailaddress, or phone number. GUI 20110 may also include a second field20114 in which the customer may enter an order or transaction number forthe product(s) to be returned. Mobile communications device 18116 mayperform a search for the user ID in purchase transaction record 18124 toaccess the customer's transaction history. Device 18116 may use theorder or transaction number from second field 20114 to identity aspecific transaction in the customer's transaction history and maydisplay a second GUI 20210 with information of the products purchased inthe identified transaction. As discussed in further detail below, thecustomer may use second GUI 20210 to select products to be returned tothe establishment.

In alternative embodiments, mobile communications device 18116 mayreceive from the user her unique user ID and may perform a search forthe user ID in purchase transaction record 18124 to access thecustomer's transaction history, without requiring an order ortransaction number. In some embodiments, device 18116 may prompt theuser to select a specific transaction from the transaction history, andmay then display a second GUI 20210 with information of the productspurchased in the identified transaction. In alternative embodiments,mobile communications device 18116 may access the customer's transactionhistory to generate a listing of all of the products previouslypurchased from the establishment by the customer. Device 18116 may thendisplay a second GUI 20210 with information of the products purchasedfrom the establishment.

FIG. 20B illustrates a non-limiting example of a graphical userinterface (GUI) 20210 displayed on mobile communications device 18116for selecting one or more previously purchased products to be returnedto an establishment. GUI 20210 may include an identifier 20212 of thetransaction or order and/or of the customer who is generating thenotification. GUI 20210 may also include descriptions 20214 of purchasedproducts, images 20216 of purchased products, and fields 20218 (e.g.,check boxes) that the user may select to designate individual productsfor return. Based on the selections in fields 20218, mobilecommunications device 18116 may generate the notification of intent toreturn the selected products and transmit the notification to the atleast one processor 18114.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one processor of the electronicsecurity system may be configured to communicate with the mobilecommunications device of the previous purchaser via one or morecommunication protocols or techniques; the at least one processor mayreceive, inter alia, the notification of intent to return a previouslypurchased product from the mobile communications device via the one ormore communication protocols or techniques. For example, the mobilecommunications device may communicate with the at least one processorvia one or more protocols as discussed elsewhere in this disclosure.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least a second receiver in theestablishment, the second receiver being configured to receive awireless transmission from the mobile communications device associatedwith the previous purchaser. For example, the second receiver mayinclude an access point or wireless router in the establishment, whichmay establish a wireless connection with the mobile communicationsdevice. The at least one processor may have a wired (e.g., Ethernet)and/or wireless connection to the second receiver, thus enabling datatransmission between the mobile communications device and the at leastone processor. In some embodiments, the at least one receiver configuredto receive transmissions from wirelessly transmitting tags (e.g.,receivers 11300 a-11300 g of FIG. 11 or receivers 18118 of FIG. 18) mayinclude the second receiver. Alternatively, the second receiver may bedifferent from the at least one receiver configured to receivetransmissions from the tags. In some embodiments, the second receivermay be configured to receive, from the mobile communications device, thenotification of intent to return a previously purchased product to theestablishment; for example, the previous purchaser may use the mobilecommunications device to send the notification via a Wi-Fi-connectionwhile in the establishment. The second receiver may also be configuredto receive wireless transmissions of other information from the mobilecommunications device.

Disclosed embodiments may additionally or alternatively includereceiving a transmission over a cellular network, or any other networkconnection, from the mobile communications device associated with theprevious purchaser. For example, the at least one processor may beconfigured to receive a transmission over a cellular network from themobile communications device. In some embodiments, transmissionsreceived from the mobile communications device over a cellular networkmay include the notification of intent to return a previously purchasedproduct to the establishment; thus, the previous purchaser may use themobile communications device to generate the notification remotely(e.g., while the purchaser is at home or in her vehicle). Transmissionsreceived over a cellular network may also include other informationtransmitted from the mobile communications device. As an example,network 18112 shown in FIG. 18 may be configured as a cellular networkin various embodiments. Information, including the notification ofintent to return a previously purchased product to the establishment,may be transmitted between mobile communications device 18116 andprocessor(s) 18114 via network 18112.

Disclosed embodiments may include a unique tag ID of a specificwirelessly transmitting tag. As used herein, a unique tag ID may referto data assigned to or otherwise associated with a specific one of thewirelessly transmitting tags that is unique to the specific tag andwhich identifies the tag to a user and/or to other devices or devicecomponents. The unique tag ID may include numbers, letters, characters,codes, strings, or other forms of data which may allow identification ofthe corresponding tag apart from the other wirelessly transmitting tags.In some embodiments, the unique tag ID may be unique to a specific tag,and that specific tag may have only one tag ID. Alternatively, the sametag may have multiple unique tag IDs. Examples of a tag ID may include aserial number, part number, bar code, UUID, EPC, and other data uniqueto a specific wirelessly transmitting tag. In some embodiments, theunique tag ID may be paired with or assigned to the specific tag at thetime the specific tag is manufactured or programmed. For example, thewirelessly transmitting tags may arrive from a tag supplierpreprogrammed with tag IDs, or the tag IDs might be programmed by theestablishment or by an entity upstream from the establishment on thetag's chain of distribution.

In some embodiments, the specific wirelessly transmitting tag may beassociated with the previously purchased product. That is, the uniquetag ID may correspond to a specific wirelessly transmitting tag whichmay, in turn, be associated with the previously purchased product. Asused herein, to be “associated with” may mean that the specificwirelessly transmitting tag (referred to hereafter as “the specifictag”) may be assigned to, or otherwise paired or correlated with, thepreviously purchased product. The pairing or association between thespecific tag and the previously purchased product may be stored in adata structure, so that information of the specific tag (e.g., a uniquetag ID of the specific tag) may be used to access information of thepreviously purchased product from the data structure, and vice versa.

In some embodiments, to be “associated with” may additionally oralternatively mean that the specific tag is physically attached to thepreviously purchased product. For example, the specific tag may beattached to the previously purchased product through adhesive,embedding, sewing, mounting, bonding, friction fit, pocketing, tying,wrapping, fastening, or any other type of physical connection. In someembodiments, the specific tag may be attached to the previouslypurchased product in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, such that itmay be difficult to remove the specific tag from the product or suchthat removal of the specific tag from the product may damage theproduct.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one data structure, asdefined elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the at least oneprocessor of the electronic security system may be configured to access,search for, retrieve, add, modify, overwrite, and/or remove data fromthe at least one data structure. In some embodiments, othercommunication devices such as the mobile communications deviceassociated with the previous purchaser may be configured to access someor all of the data stored in the at least one data structure. In someembodiments, a data structure associated with the electronic securitysystem may contain information of the wirelessly transmitting tags(including a unique tag ID of each tag) and information of productspreviously sold and/or currently offered by the establishment (includinga unique product identifier, or “product ID,” such as a serial number,unique EPC code, stock keeping unit (SKU), universal product code (UPC),barcode, or QR code, for each product). The data structure may alsocontain information of pairings between tag IDs and product IDs,including information of the pairing between the unique tag ID and aproduct ID of the previously purchased product. In some embodiments, theat least one data structure associated with the electronic securitysystem may contain a purchase transaction record, as defined herein. Asa non-limiting example, the data structure may include purchasetransaction record 18124 depicted in FIG. 18. Additionally, oralternatively, the data structure associated with the electronicsecurity system may contain inventory information of the establishment.As a non-limiting example, the data structure may include data structure18122 depicted in FIG. 18.

Disclosed embodiments may include identifying the unique tag ID of thespecific wirelessly transmitting tag in a data structure. For example,identifying a unique tag ID of the specific tag may include performing alookup in a data structure, which may contain at least one of a purchasetransaction record (as defined herein) and inventory information of theestablishment. In some embodiments, identifying the unique tag ID in adata structure may include receiving a product ID of the specificproduct (e.g., the previously purchased product) and performing a lookupof the product ID in the data structure. Due to the association betweenthe product ID of the previously purchased product and the unique tag IDof the specific wirelessly transmitting tag, the product ID may be usedto access information of the corresponding wirelessly transmitting tagfrom the data structure, including the tag's unique tag ID.

Disclosed embodiments may include identifying the unique tag ID in adata structure following receipt of the notification of intent to returna previously purchased product to the establishment. In someembodiments, information included in the notification may be used toidentify the unique tag ID in the data structure. For example, thenotification may include a product ID of the previously purchasedproduct that the previous purchaser intends to return to theestablishment. As discussed above, the product ID may be used to performa lookup in a data structure to identify the unique tag ID of thespecific tag.

In alternative embodiments, identifying the unique tag ID of thespecific tag associated with the previously purchased product mayinclude receiving the unique tag ID from the mobile communicationsdevice of the previous purchaser. For example, the mobile communicationsdevice may provide the unique tag ID to the at least one processor asinformation included in the notification of intent to return thepreviously purchased product, or in another data transmission. In suchcases, it may not be necessary to perform a look-up in a data structureto identify the unique tag ID.

As an illustrative example, FIG. 18 depicts a processor 18114 configuredto receive a product ID of a previously purchased product from mobilecommunications device 18116. For example, the product ID may be includedin the notification of intent to return the previously purchasedproduct, which may be transmitted from device 18116 to processor 18114.Alternatively, the product ID may be included in a differenttransmission from device 18116 to processor 18114. Processor 18114 mayperform a lookup of the product ID in a data structure containinginformation of pairings between wirelessly transmitting tags 1100 andspecific products; the data structure may include one or both of datastructure 18122 and purchase transaction record 18124. Based on thelookup, processor 18114 may access information of the specific tagassociated with the previously purchased product, including the tag'sunique tag ID.

In some embodiments, mobile communications device 18116 may beconfigured to obtain the unique tag ID and send the unique tag ID toprocessor 18114. For example, device 18116 may receive the unique tag IDby scanning or capturing an image of a barcode, QR code, or anotheridentifier of the previously purchased product and may perform a lookupof the product identifier (e.g., in data structure 18122 or purchasetransaction record 18124) to access the corresponding unique tag ID. Asanother example, the specific wirelessly transmitting tag 1100associated with the previously purchased product may transmit a signalcontaining information of the unique tag ID to device 18116 via acommunication medium such as NFC. Device 18116 may then send the uniquetag ID to processor 18114.

In disclosed embodiments, the data structure may include information ofa time period over which the previously purchased product is authorizedfor return. In some embodiments, the time period over which thepreviously purchased product is authorized for return (referred tohereafter as the authorized return period) may be determined by theestablishment, the manufacturer of the previously purchased product, adistributer of the previously purchased product, the previous purchaser,or by another individual or entity. Alternatively, the authorized returnperiod may be automatically determined by a processor (e.g., the atleast one processor of the electronic security system) and stored in thedata structure. In some embodiments, the authorized return period of thepreviously purchased product may be a length of time (e.g., 30 days, 90days, or any other time period) determined by the establishment and maycorrespond to the length of time for which the establishment plans tokeep an inventory of the previously purchased product and offer theproduct for sale. Thus, the end of the authorized return period maycoincide with the time when the establishment stops offering thepreviously purchased product for sale. In some embodiments, theauthorized return period may be dictated by regulations governing theestablishment (such as a minimum period for returns mandated by law). Insome embodiments, the previously purchased product may be ineligible forreturn to the establishment after the end of the authorized returnperiod.

Disclosed embodiments may include checking, upon receiving thenotification of intent to return the previously product to theestablishment, whether the notification was received within the timeperiod over which the previously purchased product is authorized forreturn (that is, within the authorized return period). As anillustrative example, processor 18114 shown in FIG. 18 may receive thenotification of intent to return the previously product from mobilecommunications device 18116. Upon receiving the notification, processor18114 may access information of the authorized return period from atleast one of the data structure 18122 and the purchase transactionrecord 18124. Processor 18114 may then determine whether thenotification was received from device 18116 within the authorized returnperiod. For example, processor 18114 may receive a timestamp indicatingwhen the notification was received from device 18116 (or when thenotification was generated by device 18116) and may determine whetherthe timestamp falls within the authorized return period.

Disclosed embodiments may include authorizing the return of thepreviously purchased product to the establishment if the notificationwas received within the time period. For example, authorizing the returnof the previously purchased product may include sending a notificationwith drop-off instructions to the mobile communications deviceassociated with the purchaser. Authorizing the return of the previouslypurchased product may also include updating the data structure toinclude an indication that a return of the previously purchased productwas requested and authorized. Disclosed embodiments may also includedenying the return of the previously purchased product to theestablishment if the notification was received outside of the timeperiod. For example, denying the return of the previously purchasedproduct may include sending a denial notification to the mobilecommunications device associated with the purchaser and updating thedata structure to include an indication that a return of the previouslypurchased product was requested and denied.

Disclosed embodiments may include verifying that a specific productidentified by the unique tag ID of the specific tag was purchased by theprevious purchaser. In some embodiments, the verification may beperformed upon receipt of the notification of intent to return thepreviously purchased product. For example, verifying that a specificproduct identified by the unique tag ID was purchased by the previouspurchaser (“the verification”) may include confirming that the previouspurchaser is the owner or rightful possessor of the products that sheintends to return to the establishment; this may allow identification ofsituations where a customer is attempting to return a product that isowned by someone else. In some embodiments, the verification may includeaccessing a purchase history of the specific product(s) that theprevious purchaser intends to return to the establishment. For example,the specific product's purchase history may be contained in the datastructure and may include information of individuals who currently orpreviously owned the specific product(s). From the purchase history, theat least one processor may receive identifying information of the personwho currently owns the specific product(s); the identifying informationmay include a unique identifier of the current owner, such as theirname, email address, or unique customer number. The identifyinginformation of the current owner may be compared to identifyinginformation of the previous purchaser to determine if the previouspurchaser is the current owner. Additionally, or alternatively, if theprevious purchaser purchased the item as a gift, and received a giftcertificate or exchange note along with the product, the person whoreceived the product as a gift (along with the gift certificate orexchange note) may use the gift certificate or exchange note to identifythemselves as the current owner of the product eligible for return,despite their identity not being included in the purchase transactionrecord, based on the inclusion in the purchase transaction record of thefact that a gift certificate or exchange note was provided as part ofthe purchase.

If it is determined that the previous purchaser is the current owner,the previously purchased product may be verified as having beenpurchased by the previous purchaser. Disclosed embodiments may includeupdating the data structure when the previously purchased product isverified as having been purchased by the previous purchaser. Updatingthe data structure may include addition of a verification designation toinformation of the previously purchased product in the data structure.However, if it cannot be determined that the previous purchaser is thecurrent owner (e.g., if the previous purchaser is not included in thepurchase history or if the previous purchaser is not the most currentowner in the purchase history), then the previously purchased productmay not be verified as having been purchased by the previous purchaser.Disclosed embodiments may include averting updating the data structureif the previously purchased product is unverified as having beenpurchased by the specific previous purchaser. In some embodiments,averting updating the data structure may include foregoing addition of averification designation to information of the previously purchasedproduct in the data structure. In some embodiments, the at least oneprocessor may require verification of the previously purchased productbefore authorizing the return of the previously purchased product to theestablishment or before issuing a refund to the previous purchaser.Thus, the previous purchaser may be prevented from returning productsthat are owned by someone else.

In some embodiments, the previous purchaser may complete the return bydropping the products off at the establishment. For example, when theprevious purchaser is ready to return a previously purchased product tothe establishment, she may place the product in a bag or package (e.g.,with the products' original tags), bring the product into theestablishment, and place the product in a designated drop-off area. Theprevious purchaser may then use the mobile communications device to senda notification to the electronic security system indicating that theproduct has been returned and may leave the establishment withoutneeding to complete a transaction at a POS terminal. In someembodiments, the electronic security system may send the mobilecommunications device a confirmation of receipt of the previouslypurchased product.

In some embodiments, the previous purchaser may use the mobilecommunications device to notify the electronic security system that thepreviously purchased product has been returned to the establishment(e.g., to send a return completion notification to the establishment).The return completion notification may include identifying informationof the specific product that was returned to the establishment (the“returned product”). For example, the previous purchaser may use themobile communications device to access a website or to run anapplication associated with the establishment, which may include a userinterface or other mechanism for generating the return completionnotification. The return completion notification may be generated, forexample, based on a scan of a barcode or QR code of the returned productwith the mobile communications device or based on a user selection ofthe returned product on a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed onthe mobile communications device. Alternatively, the return completionnotification may be generated by other methods.

For example, FIG. 16 shows a previous purchaser 1104 a returning apreviously purchased product 16016 to a drop-off area 16014 in theestablishment. In the example shown, returned product 16016 may bereturned in a box or other package. Once she has dropped off product16016 in area 16014, previous purchaser 1104 a may use a mobilecommunications device 18116 to scan a barcode or QR code on product16016 or on a tag or package of the product. Device 18116 may use thescanned barcode or QR code to generate a return completion notificationand may send the notification to a processor of the establishment. Insome embodiments, the return completion notification may includeidentifying information of returned product 16016.

Disclosed embodiments may include updating the data structure toindicate that the previously purchased product was returned to theestablishment. For example, the at least one processor may receive anidentifier of the returned product based on the return completionnotification and may use the identifier of the returned product toconfirm that the previous purchaser returned the correct product to theestablishment (e.g., by comparing the identifier of the returned productto a product ID specified in the notification of intent to return thepreviously purchased product to the establishment). When it is confirmedthat the previously purchased product (e.g., the product specified inthe notification of intent to return the previously purchased product)was returned to the establishment, the at least one processor may updateinformation of the previously purchased product in the data structure toindicate that the product has been returned. After the previouslypurchased product is returned to the establishment (and, optionally,after the data structure is updated to indicate that the previouslypurchased product was returned), the at least one processor may performone or more actions to finalize the return, such as notifying storestaff of the return, reimbursing the previous purchaser, adding thereturned products to the establishment's inventory, re-activating analert mechanism for the returned products. These exemplary actions arediscussed below.

Disclosed embodiments may include initiating a refund transaction. Forexample, the at least one processor may be configured to initiate arefund transaction. As used herein, a refund transaction may include thetransfer of money or other consideration from the establishment to theprevious purchaser in exchange for the return of the previouslypurchased product. In some embodiments, the previous purchaser may berefunded for a portion or the entirety of the purchase price for thepreviously purchased product or, alternatively, for a different amount.In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured toinitiate the refund transaction based on the data structure beingupdated to indicate that the previously purchased product was returnedto the establishment. Alternatively, the refund transaction may beinitiated based on a different triggering event, such as the addition ofthe returned product to the establishment's inventory, confirmation bystore staff that the returned product is in a satisfactory condition tobe returned, or receiving a refund authorization from the previouspurchaser's mobile communications device.

In some embodiments, funds for the refund transaction may be accessedfrom a financial account or instrument (e.g., a bank account or digitalwallet) held by the establishment or by a subsidiary, parent company,affiliated company, corporate officer, owner, or any other individual orentity associated with the establishment. The at least one processor maybe configured to access this account or instrument to withdraw funds forcompleting the refund transaction. In some embodiments, the at least oneprocessor may be configured to access financial accounts or instrumentsheld by or otherwise associated with the previous purchaser to refundthe previous purchaser for the return. Examples of financial accounts orinstruments of the previous purchaser may include a bank account ordigital wallet account held by the previous purchaser (e.g., PayPal,Venmo, Apple Pay, or Zelle), a credit card, debit card, or any otherinstrument held by the previous purchaser or which the previouspurchaser has been authorized to use for returning the previouslypurchased product. In some embodiments, upon completion of the refundtransaction, the at least one processor may be configured to update thedata structure to reflect, for example, that the previous purchaser hasbeen reimbursed for the returned products and that the previouspurchaser is no longer the owner of the returned products.

As an example, FIG. 17 depicts a Wide Area Network (WAN) 17310 forcommunication with one or more banking or digital wallet platforms17320. In some embodiments, a processor performing the refundtransaction may be configured to access a first banking or digitalwallet platform 17320 associated with the establishment to withdrawfunds for the refund transaction. The processor may transfer the fundsto a second banking or digital wallet platform 17320 associated with theprevious purchaser. In some embodiments, the processor may send anotification to the previous purchaser (e.g., to mobile communicationsdevice 18116) when the refund transaction is completed.

Disclosed embodiments may include delaying refunding the previouspurchaser until staff at the establishment have examined the returnedpreviously purchased product and deemed the previously purchased producteligible for return. For example, once the data structure is updated toindicate that the previously purchased product was returned to theestablishment, the at least one processor may send an alert to acommunications device of one or more employees of the establishment. Thecommunications device may include, for example, a desktop computer, alaptop, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, a handheld scanner, asmartphone, a cellular phone, a tablet, a pager, or any other deviceconfigured to receive a signal from the at least one processor andoutput a notification to the establishment staff. In some embodiments,the notification sent to the establishment staff may include anidentifier of the returned product (e.g., a product ID or a descriptionof the product's style, size, color, etc.), as well as additionalinformation such as the time when the product was returned to theestablishment and location information of the product. While thenotification is sent to the establishment staff, the at least oneprocessor may refrain from initiation and/or completing the refundtransaction (e.g., may delay transmitting the refund amount to theprevious purchaser's bank account or digital wallet) until the returnedproduct is deemed eligible for return.

In some embodiments, the notification sent to establishment staff mayindicate that the returned product should be examined by a member of theestablishment staff to confirm that the product is in sufficiently goodcondition to be eligible for return. A member of the establishment staffmay examine the returned product and send an indication to the at leastone processor (e.g., via a communication device) of whether the returnedproduct (e.g., the previously purchased product) is eligible for return.If the returned product is indicated as eligible for return, the refundtransaction may be completed, the returned product may be added to theestablishment's inventory, and/or the data structure may be updated toinclude an indication that the returned product was found eligible forreturn. Additionally, or alternatively, if the returned product isindicated as ineligible for return (e.g., due to the product's poorcondition), the at least one processor may send a notification to themobile communications device associated with the previous purchaser, maysend a notification to a member of establishment staff (e.g., anotification with instructions to dispose of the returned product),and/or may update the data structure to include an indication that thereturned product was found ineligible for return and/or to include anindication of the return product's condition.

Disclosed embodiments may include enabling an ability to initiate analarm. As described elsewhere in this disclosure, an alarm may refer toan alert or notification generated by a component of the electronicsecurity system for notifying another component, another system, and/ora person that the electronic security system has detected an attemptedtheft, an unauthorized taking or removal of a product from theestablishment, an attempt to tamper with product so that the productdoes not trigger an anti-theft alarm (e.g., attempting to remove asecurity tag from a product), an attempt to shutdown the electronicsecurity system or render the electronic security system ineffectual(e.g., by transmitting strong radio signals to overwhelm the capabilityof the system's at least one receiver), or another intrusion into orloss from the establishment. In some embodiments, the electronicsecurity system may include fixed infrastructure configured to initiatean alarm; examples may include speakers, lights, and/or graphic displaysarranged at strategic locations within the establishment such as at theentrance and/or exit, near a checkout counter or self-checkout kiosk, ina storage area, near a pick-up area, or near a drop-off area.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause an alarm to beinitiated by causing activation of the alarm-initiating components whena certain event occurs. The at least one processor may also beconfigured to disable an ability of the alarm-initiating components toinitiate an alarm. As a result, the alarm-initiating components may becontrolled to forego initiating an alarm when a certain event occurs(e.g., when a tagged product is brought through an EAS gate), even whenthe event would otherwise trigger an alarm. As used herein, enabling anability to initiate an alarm may include controlling thealarm-initiating components to change from a disabled state (e.g., astate in which the alarm-initiating components forego initiating analarm when a triggering event occurs) to an enabled state (e.g., a statein which the alarm-initiating components initiate an alarm when thetriggering event occurs). Additionally, or alternatively, enabling anability to initiate an alarm may include controlling thealarm-initiating components to change from a first enabled state to asecond, different enabled state in which at least one characteristic ofthe alarm is changed.

Disclosed embodiments may include enabling an ability to initiate analarm when the at least one receiver receives a transmission from thespecific tag associated with the previously purchased product inproximity to the EAS gate. In disclosed embodiments, enabling theability to initiate an alarm may occur upon (e.g., may occur after orbased on) updating the data structure to indicate that the previouslypurchased product was returned to the establishment. For example, priorto the data structure being updated, the alarm-initiating components ofthe electronic security system may be controlled to forego initiating analarm when a receiver detects passage of the previously purchasedproduct (or its associated wirelessly transmitting tag) through theestablishment's EAS gate. This may allow the previous purchaser to bringthe product into the establishment for the return transaction withoutinitiating the alarm. However, following the update of the datastructure, the at least one processor may control the alarm-initiatingcomponents to initiate an alarm when at least one receiver of theelectronic security system detects the specific tag associated with thepreviously purchased product (e.g., receives a transmission from thespecific tag) in proximity to the EAS gate. As a non-limiting example,an alarm may be initiated when the specific tag is determined to bewithin one meter from the space in between the pedestals of the EASgate. As a result, the alarm may be initiated when a thief attempts tosteal the previously purchased product or when another customeraccidentally attempts to leave the establishment with the previouslypurchased product, rather than a different product that they havepurchased (e.g., in the event of a product mix-up).

As an example, FIG. 16 depicts a previous purchaser 1104 a leaving apreviously purchased product 16016 at a designated drop-off area 16014and using a mobile communications device (e.g., device 18116 of FIG. 18)to transmit a notification that the previously purchased product 16016was returned to the establishment. For example, the previous purchaser1104 a may use the mobile communications device to scan a barcode orother machine-readable code on the previously purchased product 16016and/or on a package holding the product. Based on the scannedinformation, the mobile communications device may generate thenotification that the previously purchased product was returned andtransmit the notification to a processor of the establishment (e.g.,processor 18114 of FIG. 18).

Prior to receiving the notification, the processor may disable anability of alarm 1114 to sound when product 16016 is detected inproximity to EAS gate 1110, 1112; this may allow previous purchaser 1104a to bring product 16016 into the establishment without incident. Basedon receiving the notification from device 18116, the processor mayupdate a data structure (e.g., data structure 18122 and/or purchasetransaction record 18124) to indicate that previously purchased product16016 was returned to the establishment. The processor may also enablean ability of alarm 1114 to sound when product 16016 is detected inproximity to EAS gate 1110, 1112. As a result, when product 16016 isbrought into proximity with the EAS gate 1110, 1112 (e.g., within onemeter of the gate), receivers 11300 may receive signals transmitted fromthe product's wirelessly transmitting tag. The processor may perform alookup of the tag's unique tag ID in the data structure and determinethat the tag is associated with a product that is not authorized toleave the establishment. As a result, the processor may cause activationof alarm 1114 to signal and prevent the attempted theft of previouslypurchased product 16016.

In disclosed embodiments, the data structure may be configured, prior toreceipt of the notification of intent to return the previously purchasedproduct, to maintain an indication to disable the ability to initiate analarm when the at least one receiver receives a transmission from thespecific tag associated with the previously purchased product inproximity to the EAS gate. As used herein, an indication may include aninstruction for the at least one processor to perform a specific actionwhen a specific triggering event occurs. For example, before thenotification of intent to return the previously purchased product isreceived from the mobile communications device, the data structure mayinclude an indication, or instruction, for the at least one processor tocontrol the alarm-initiating components in the establishment to foregoinitiating an alarm when the previously purchased product (or theproduct's tag) is detected in proximity to the EAS gate. This may allowthe previous purchaser to bring the product into the establishmentwithout the alarm being triggered. In disclosed embodiments, enablingthe ability to initiate an alarm may include updating the data structureto enable initiation of the alarm when the at least one receiverreceives a transmission from the specific tag associated with thepreviously purchased product in proximity to the EAS gate. For example,after the data structure is updated to indicate that the previouslypurchased product was returned to the establishment, the at least oneprocessor may further update the data structure by changing or removingthe aforementioned indication to disable the ability to initiate analarm. Instead, the data structure may be updated to include anindication enabling initiation of the alarm (e.g., instructing the atleast one processor to cause activation of the alarm-initiatingcomponents when the previously purchased product (or the product's tag)is detected in proximity to the EAS gate).

Disclosed embodiments may include sending a notification to the mobilecommunications device associated with the previous purchaser indicatingthat a return process of the previously purchased product is complete.For example, the at least one processor may be configured to send anotification indicating that a return process of the previouslypurchased product is complete (referred to hereafter as a “returncompletion notification”) to the mobile communications device based onthe data structure being updated to indicate that the previouslypurchased product was returned to the establishment, based on completionof a refund transaction, based on receiving confirmation fromestablishment staff that the previously purchased product is eligiblefor return, or based on some other triggering event.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving an indication that thereturned previously purchased product was repurchased by anotherpurchaser. For example, the at least one processor may receive theindication that the returned product was repurchased based on anelectronic purchase transaction being initiated for the other purchaserto buy the returned product, based on information of the product beingpurchased in the store it was returned to, an out-of-store productpurchase of the returned product, or by other means of notifying the atleast one processor about the returned product being repurchased. Insome embodiments, upon receiving the indication that the returnedpreviously purchased product was repurchased by another purchaser, theat least one processor may disable the ability to initiate an alarm upondetection of the specific tag associated with the returned previouslypurchased product. As a result, the other purchaser may leave theestablishment with the product without the alarm being initiated.

Disclosed embodiments may include determining, based on transmissionsreceived by the at least one receiver, tag locations at a time oftransmission, to thereby determine tag proximity to the EAS gate. Insome embodiments, the proximity of the tag to the EAS gate may beascertained by the at least one processor based on the range oftransmission of the EAS gate signals, outside of which the specific tagwould not receive the EAS gate signal and therefore would not transmit.

By way of example, FIGS. 13A and 13C depict a product 13210 hanging froma shelf that may contain a wirelessly transmitting tag 1100 configuredto transmit an ID signal 13102. Due to the proximity of tag 1100 toreceiver 11300 c (see FIG. 13C), the power level of the signal 13102received by receiver 11300 c may be higher than the power level of thesignals 13102 received by other receivers located further away from tag1100 (e.g., receivers 11300 b and 11300 d). Therefore, the at least oneprocessor of the electronic security system may determine that theproduct 13210 is located on or near the shelf of FIG. 13C since thelocations of receiver 11300 c and the shelf may be known beforehand.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving location-identifyinginformation. The location-identifying information may indicate alocation of the previous purchaser, the mobile communications device, oranother subject. For example, the location-identifying information mayinclude GPS data, data of a device-tracking program (e.g., Apple's FindMy iPhone, Google's Find My Device, and Samsung's Find My Mobile), datatransmitted from the mobile communications device to a receiverassociated with the establishment and/or the at least one processor, orother data indicating the location of the mobile communications device.Disclosed embodiments may include determining, based on thelocation-identifying information, that the mobile communications deviceassociated with the previous purchaser is located within theestablishment. For example, the location of the device may be determinedand compared with a known location of the establishment. It may bedetermined, based on the comparison, whether the mobile communicationsdevice is located within the establishment. In some embodiments, the atleast one processor may only authorize the return of the previouslypurchased product if the mobile communications device is determined tobe within the establishment. Additionally, or alternatively, the atleast one processor may send a notification to the mobile communicationsdevice, that the return transaction can only be completed within theestablishment, or block the mobile communications device from accessingthe portion of the website or application where a return transaction canbe initiated, if the mobile communications device is determined to belocated outside the establishment.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one receiver may be configured toreceive tag signals reflecting sensing of the EAS gate; the tag signalsmay be transmitted by the wirelessly transmitting tags. As used herein,a tag signal may include a transmission sent by one of the wirelesslytransmitting tags. A tag signal may include, for example, identifyinginformation of the tag (e.g., the tag's unique tag ID) and/or anindication of the triggering event of the transmission. For example, andas discussed above, an EAS gate may be provided near the entrance orexit of the establishment and/or at another designated location and maybe configured to transmit an activation signal (e.g., an EAS signal) towirelessly transmitting tags in proximity to the EAS gate, such as tagsassociated with products or with packages being carried through the EASgate. In response to sensing (e.g., detecting or receiving) the EASsignal from the EAS gate, a wirelessly transmitting tag may beconfigured to output a signal in a different frequency band than the EASsignal. The at least one receiver may be configured to receive thesignal transmitted by the tag (that is, a tag signal reflecting sensingof the EAS gate by the wirelessly transmitting tag). However, the EASgate may not detect the signal transmitted by the tag because the signalmay be outside a range of frequencies detected by the EAS gate. Thespecific tag may further be configured to include in the transmissioninformation regarding the state of the tag, for example informationindicating that the tag is transmitting the signal in response toreceiving an EAS signal from an EAS gate.

In disclosed embodiments, the specific tag associated with thepreviously purchased product may be configured to transmit immediatelyupon sensing the EAS gate (e.g., upon receiving the EAS signal from theEAS gate). Additionally, or alternatively, the specific tag may beconfigured to transmit, upon sensing the EAS gate, an ID transmissionindicating the specific tag is in proximity to the EAS gate. Forexample, after the specific tag receives the EAS signal from an EASgate, the specific tag may be configured to transmit a signal indicatingthe tag's unique tag ID. Thus, the source of the signal may bedetermined based on the tag ID specified by the transmitted signal. Insome embodiments, a signal transmitted by the specific tag based onsensing the EAS gate may differ from signals transmitted by the specifictag based on other triggers. For example, the transmitted signals maydiffer in at least one aspect, such as transmission power level, phase,duration, frequency, length of a delay period before beginningtransmissions, and/or information contained within the signal. In someembodiments, the specific tag may only sense the EAS gate when the tagis in close enough proximity to the EAS gate to detect and be triggeredby the EAS signal. Thus, the signal transmitted by the specific tagbased upon sensing the EAS gate may indicate proximity of the specifictag to the EAS gate, since the signal is different from signalstransmitted by the specific tag in other situations.

For example, FIG. 1 depicts a purchaser 1104 exiting through an EAS gate1110, 1112 with a first product 1106 with a first wirelesslytransmitting tag 1100 a, and also with a second product 1122 with asecond wirelessly transmitting tag 1100 b. Tags 1100 a and 1100 b may beconfigured to sense EAS gate 1110, 1112 based on receiving EAS signal1118. In response, tags 1100 a and 1100 b may immediately transmit tagID signals 1102 a and 1102 b, without including a delay period beforebeginning the transmissions. Receiver 1124 of the electronic securitysystem may detect tag ID signals 1102 a and 1102 b and a processor ofthe electronic security system (e.g., processor 11004 of FIG. 11 orprocessor 18114 of FIG. 18) may determine whether the detected IDsignals 1102 a and 1102 b are associated with products that areauthorized to pass through EAS gate 1110, 1112. In some embodiments, theprocessor may cause activation of an alert mechanism such as an audiblealert or a flashing light to signal that products 1106 and 1122 are notauthorized to leave the establishment. However, if products 1106 and1122 are authorized to leave the establishment, the processor maydisable activation of the alert mechanism while purchaser 1104 passesthrough the EAS gate with the products.

Disclosed embodiments may involve systems, methods, and computerreadable media for wirelessly purchasing merchandise displayed in storewindows or other display areas. For example, when a prospective customerpasses by a store's display window, she may see an item in the displaythat she would like to purchase or about which she would like to receiveadditional information, such as the item's price, size, and careinstructions. In disclosed embodiments, the particular display windowmay be identified by detecting the location of the customer's mobiledevice (e.g., cellphone, smartphone, or wearable computing device) anddetermining which display window is in the device's vicinity. Indisclosed embodiments, a list of items that are currently on display inthe window, such as with images and/or textual descriptions ofindividual items may be relayed to the customer's device. The customermay use her device to select and purchase desired items and may alsoselect a delivery method for each purchased item. In disclosedembodiments, the customer's order may be received, the purchasetransaction may be completed and arrangements may be made for thepurchased items to be delivered via the customer's specified deliverymethod(s).

Advantageously, disclosed embodiments may improve the customer'sshopping experience by enabling the customer to obtain information ofdisplayed items and to complete purchases even when the store is closedand even if the customer does not wish, or does not have enough time, toenter the store. In addition, disclosed embodiments may provide a moreuser-friendly alternative to traditional online shopping becauseparticular items on display may be quickly identified based on thecustomer's location and information of those items may be sent to thecustomer's device. Thus, the customer may avoid browsing long lists ofitems and conducting searches on the store's website to find particularitems.

Further, disclosed embodiments may also be beneficial for retailersbecause the embodiments may allow retailers to complete sales tocustomers outside of the store and to sell items even when the store isclosed. In addition, the disclosed embodiments may allow retailers togenerate sales revenue from displays that are not directly attached tothe store, such as “pop-up displays” in temporary locations (e.g.,temporary displays at flea markets, concerts, and fairs) and displays inhigh-traffic areas that are near, but not immediately adjacent to, theretailer's store (e.g., in another area of a shopping mall or on a mainstreet or thoroughfare a few blocks away from the store).

Disclosed embodiments may include wireless transactions and wirelesstransaction operations. As used herein, a transaction may include anagreement or arrangement between two or more parties to exchangepersonal property or real property for monetary payment or otherconsideration. For example, a transaction may include an exchangebetween a commercial seller (such as a store or retail establishment)and a buyer, in which the buyer purchases, rents, leases, borrows, orotherwise acquires one or more items from the seller in exchange formonetary payment. In some embodiments, a wireless transaction mayinclude a transaction, as defined above, that is performed in whole orin part via a wireless connection. For example, a buyer and seller mayperform a wireless transaction using electronic devices connected by awireless connection, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near-field communication(NFC), a cellular network, ZigBee, Z-wave wireless protocols, a LAN orWAN network, or any other suitable wireless medium for transmitting databetween parties. As used herein, wireless transaction operations mayinclude any act, instance, step, process, or manner of functioning forinitiating, performing, or completing a wireless transaction.

Disclosed embodiments may include a system for conducting wirelesstransaction communications. In some embodiments, a system for conductingwireless transaction communications may include any type of wirelessnetworking arrangement enabling the exchange of information and/or databetween parties to a wireless transaction. For example, a system forconducting wireless transaction communications may include anarrangement enabling wireless communications between a seller and abuyer, such as communications regarding products offered for sale,offers to make a purchase, acceptances of offers, and transfers ofmoney.

As a non-limiting example, FIG. 18 depicts a system 18110 configured forconducting wireless transaction communications. As discussed in detailelsewhere in the present disclosure, system 18110 may include network18112 enabling the exchange of data and/or information between elementsof the system such as processor(s) 18114 and mobile communicationsdevice 18116. In some embodiments, network 18112 may include any type ofwireless computer networking arrangement configured for exchanging data.System 18110 may also include at least one processor 18114, which may beassociated with a seller such as a retail store. For example, processor18114 may include a desktop computer, a laptop, a server, a virtualserver, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, a handheld scanner, asmartphone, a tablet, a pager, or any other wireless communicationdevice. Processor 18114 may be located within a retail establishmentand/or may be used by employees and other individuals associated withthe retail establishment for business purposes, including performingwireless transaction operations. System 18110 may also include a mobilecommunications device 18116, such as a cellular phone, smartphone,tablet, desktop, laptop, PDA, handheld scanner, wearable device, orother mobile computing device. In some embodiments, device 18116 may beassociated with a buyer or a customer to the retail establishment. Insome embodiments, a buyer and seller may perform a wireless transactionusing mobile communications device 18116 and processor 18114,respectively, which may communicate wirelessly via network 18112.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one processor, as definedelsewhere in the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, FIG. 18depicts at least one processor 18114. Disclosed embodiments may includeand/or access at least one data structure. As used herein, a datastructure may include an ordered or un-ordered storage of information,saved in a computer-accessible form on a medium which is both readableand writable. A person, entity or device, referred to as a requester,may be required to provide some form of credentials, log-in, certificateor identification, in order to determine whether the requester isauthorized to access the information stored in the data structure. Suchauthorization data may be general for the entire data structure, or itmay be specific for each and every piece of stored information, or tospecific characteristics and attributes of the entire data structure butnot to other specific characteristics and attributes.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor of the disclosed systemmay be configured to access data contained in the at least one datastructure. Additionally, the at least one processor may be configured tosearch for, retrieve, add, modify, overwrite, and/or remove data fromthe at least one data structure. As a non-limiting example, the at leastone data structure may include data structure 18122 depicted in FIG. 18,which may be accessed by processor(s) 18114.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one data structure may containidentities of a plurality of display areas. As used herein, a displayarea may include any region, zone, room, or area in which productsoffered for sale are presented to the public in order to promote theproducts and/or the establishment selling the products. In someembodiments, a display area may include a structure or fixture thatarranges the products for viewing by prospective customers and othermembers of the public; some examples of a structure or fixture in adisplay area may include a cabinet, shelf, rack, hamper, bin, windowdisplay, display case, or table. Additionally, or alternatively, suchstructures or fixtures may include a mannequin or display doll, or anyother similar structure designed to mimic the use of the displayed itemin real life. Disclosed embodiments may include a plurality of displayareas, that is, a plurality of regions or areas for presenting productsoffered for sale to the public. In some embodiments, the plurality ofdisplay areas may be included within the same store or building.Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of display areas may beowned or used by the same individual or entity (e.g., by the samecorporation). The plurality of display areas may be located in the samegeographical area or in different geographical areas (e.g., in differentstores or buildings, at different addresses, in different cities orcountries, etc.). In some embodiments, the at least one data structuremay contain additional information of the display areas, such aslocation information of each display area.

As a non-limiting example, FIG. 13A shows a shelf 13240 and rack 13250,both of which may be considered as a display area because both the shelf13240 and rack 13250 may display products (in this example, clothing) ina manner that encourages customers to view and purchase the products. Asanother non-limiting example, FIG. 21 depicts a retail establishment21010 including two display areas 21012 and 21014, each of which maydisplay one or more items offered for sale by the establishment. In theexample shown in FIG. 21, display areas 21012 and 21014 may beconfigured as window displays. As also illustrated in FIG. 16, mannequin16022 may be a display area.

As mentioned above, the at least one data structure may containidentities of the plurality of display areas. In some embodiments, anidentity of a display area (referred to hereafter as a “display areaID”) may include data assigned to or otherwise associated with aspecific one of the display areas that is unique to the specific displayarea and which identifies the display area to users and/or to devices. Aunique display area ID may include numbers, letters, characters, codes,strings, or other forms of data which may allow identification of thecorresponding display area apart from the other plurality of displayareas. In some embodiments, each display area ID may be unique to aspecific display area, and that specific display area may have only onedisplay area ID. Alternatively, the same display area may have multipleunique display area IDs. Examples of a display area ID may include aserial number, part number, bar code, QR code, EPC, and other dataunique to a specific display area. Additionally, or alternatively, adisplay area ID may include an identification of its location, such as astreet address, GPS coordinates, or coordinates relating to an indoormap of a shopping mall. Once the pairing or association between a givendisplay area and a specific display area ID is established, the pairingor association may be stored in the at least one data structure.

In some embodiments, a display area's unique ID may be displayed withinor near the display area so that the ID may be scanned or photographedby devices with imaging components (e.g., by a camera on a smartphone orlaptop). For example, a display area's unique ID may be displayed on asign, sticker, banner, flag, post, hanging tag, or any other displaymechanism on which the unique ID is perceptible to the public. Toillustrate, FIG. 21 depicts a first display area 21012 having acorresponding display area ID 21016, which may be configured as ascannable graphical code (e.g., a QR code). FIG. 21 also depicts asecond display area 21014 having a different corresponding display areaID 21018. In some embodiments, a person wishing to receive additionalinformation of products shown in one of the display areas may scan thecorresponding display area ID using a smart device and may receive therequested information on their smart device in response.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one data structure may containidentities of a plurality of products associated with the plurality ofdisplay areas. A product may be displayed in or offered for sale by aretail establishment. In some embodiments, each of the plurality ofproducts may be associated with at least one of the plurality of displayareas. As used herein, to be “associated with” may mean that a productis housed in a specific display area, arranged for public viewing withina specific display area, or otherwise assigned to or paired with aspecific display area.

As mentioned above, the at least one data structure may containidentities of the plurality of products. In some embodiments, anidentity of a product (referred to hereafter as a “product ID”) mayinclude data assigned to or otherwise associated with a specific productfor purposes of identification. A product ID may include numbers,letters, characters, codes, strings, or other forms of data which mayallow identification of the corresponding product. Some non-limitingexamples of a product ID include a serial number, unique EPC code, stockkeeping unit (SKU), universal product code (UPC), barcode, or QR code.In some embodiments, a specific product's ID may be unique to thespecific product, so that the product may be differentiated from theother plurality of products. Once the pairing or association between agiven product and a specific product ID is established, the pairing orassociation may be stored in the at least one data structure.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving a request for informationfrom a mobile communications device. For example, the at least oneprocessor may be configured to receive a request for information from amobile communications device. As a non-limiting example, FIG. 18illustrates an embodiment in which a mobile communications device 18116(e.g., a smartphone) may be configured for sending communications,including a request for information, to other components via network18112. As used herein, a request for information may include acommunication signal sent from a first device to a second device thatsolicits a responsive communication signal from the second device andwhich designates certain information to be included in the responsivecommunication signal. In some embodiments, the mobile communicationsdevice may be operated by, e.g., a customer within a retailestablishment, a customer outside a retail establishment, or a passerbyseeking information of one or more products in a display area.

In disclosed embodiments, the request received from the mobilecommunications device may include a request for information related to aparticular display area in a vicinity of the mobile communicationsdevice. In some embodiments, a display area in a vicinity of the mobilecommunications device may include a display area within viewing distanceof an individual holding or operating the mobile communications device.Additionally, or alternatively, a display area in a vicinity of themobile communications device may include the display area that is theshortest distance away from the mobile communications device, relativeto other display areas.

In disclosed embodiments, the request for information related to theparticular display area may include a location ID input into the mobilecommunications device. For example, a person requesting informationabout a particular display area may generate the request by inputtinginto their mobile communications device a location identifier (or“location ID”) that designates the particular display area. For example,the location ID may be derived from a scan of a graphical code using themobile communications device or another device with a camera or imagingtool; the mobile communications device (and/or another processor) mayderive the location ID from the scan and may generate and send therequest for information, which may include the location ID, to the atleast one processor. In some embodiments, the location ID may correspondto, or may be identical to, the display area ID of the particulardisplay area. For example, in FIG. 21, display area ID 21016 may includea scannable QR code that may be scanned in order to generate the requestfor information about display area 21012.

As another example, the location ID may be derived from a Near FieldCommunication (NFC) tag associated with the particular display area.That is, an NFC tag may be located near the particular display area ormay otherwise uniquely correspond to the particular display area. Aperson seeking information about the particular display area may usetheir mobile communications device to receive a transmission from theNFC tag, and the mobile communications device may use the informationreceived from the NFC tag to determine the location ID and generate therequest for information. Alternatively, the location ID of theparticular display area may be received by other means (such as ageo-tagged picture taken by the mobile communications devices, or by themobile device communicating with a Bluetooth Beacon or local WiFinetwork associated with the particular display area) in order togenerate the request for information.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving location informationassociated with a locus of the mobile communications device. Forexample, the at least one processor may be configured to receivelocation information associated with a locus of the mobilecommunications device. As used herein, a locus of the mobilecommunications device may refer to a particular position, point, orplace where the mobile communications device is located. In addition,location information associated with the locus of the mobilecommunications device may include a set of numbers, strings,coordinates, or digital bits representing numbers, strings orcoordinates, that may refer to or identify a physical location or locusof a subject (here, the mobile communications device) relative to apredetermined coordinate system or another reference. That is, locationinformation may include data that identifies or specifies the physicallocation of the mobile communications device in space. In someembodiments, receiving the request for information from the mobilecommunications device may trigger the at least one processor to requestor access the location information of the mobile communications device.

Some non-limiting examples of location information may include a streetaddress, a point on a map or other Geographic Information Systems (GIS),Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, indoor navigation systemmeasurements, and any other data indicating the locus or physicallocation of the mobile communications device. For example, in disclosedembodiments, the location information associated with the locus of themobile communications device may include at least one of a GPS location,a Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) location, a Galileolocation (that is, location information derived from the Galileosatellite system), or other Global Navigation and Positioning Systemlocation information associated with the mobile communications device.Additionally, or alternatively, the location information associated withthe locus of the mobile communications device may include informationreceived from at least one of an indoor-navigation system or anindoor-positioning system (such as a WiFi-based time-of-flight (ToF) orround-trip-time (RTT) positioning systems, or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) basedpositioning systems), which may use strategically-placed relays andbeacons throughout an area to determine the position of a subject (foran indoor-positioning system) and/or to direct a subject to a targetlocation (for an indoor-navigation system).

Disclosed embodiments may include performing, in response to thelocation information, a look-up in the at least one data structure toidentify the particular display area in the vicinity of the mobilecommunications device. For example, the mobile communications device maybe assumed to be located in the same location as the particular displayarea or within a short distance of the particular display area. Further,the at least one data structure may include location information of eachdisplay area, as discussed above. Accordingly, the at least oneprocessor may perform a look-up in the at least one data structure toidentity the display area having the same location as the mobilecommunications device, or which is closest to the mobile communicationsdevice, or which is within a predetermined distance of the mobilecommunications device. This display area may be identified as theparticular display area in the vicinity of the mobile communicationsdevice (that is, the display area that was the subject of the requestfor information).

In alternative embodiments, the at least one processor may be configuredto identify the particular display area based on the request forinformation received from the mobile communications device. For example,in some embodiments the request for information may include the locationID of the particular display area, which may correspond to or may beidentical to the particular display area's display area ID. The at leastone processor may be configured to determine the identity of theparticular display area based on the received location ID (e.g., byperforming a look-up of the received location ID in the at least onedata structure to determine the corresponding display area).

In some embodiments, the particular display area may include a windowdisplay. For example, a window display may include a window in a retailestablishment (often a window on the front façade of the establishment)in which products may be displayed, so that customers may view theproducts from outside the establishment. As an example, FIG. 21 depictsdisplay areas 21012 and 21014 configured as window displays.Additionally, or alternatively, the particular display area may beadjacent to a sales establishment carrying the products associated withthe particular display area. As used herein, a display area adjacent toa sales establishment may include a display area external to, but inclose proximity to, the sales establishment. This may include, forexample, a display area down the block or across the street from thesales establishment, a display area in a front façade of a building inwhich the sales establishment is also located, and a display arealocated in a different area of a shopping mall from the salesestablishment. As used herein, a sales establishment carrying theproducts associated with the particular display area may include a salesestablishment that maintains the products in inventory and/or thatoffers the products for sale or rental.

In some embodiments, the particular display area may be in a vicinity ofa storage establishment maintaining the products associated with theparticular display area as products available for shipping. As usedherein, a storage establishment may include a location where productsare placed or held as an interim stage, between different stages of asupply chain or a production chain. For example, a storage establishmentmay include a location where products are held between manufacturing andshipping, a location where products are held between importation into acountry and distribution within the country to a target location, or alocation where products are held between arrival in a destinationcountry and shipping to a final customer. In some embodiments, theparticular display area may be situated within, adjacent to, or near thestorage establishment so that potential customers may view the displayarea and purchase the displayed products. In such cases, purchasedproducts may be shipped from the establishment to the purchaser, in someembodiments.

In some embodiments, the particular display area may be associated witha remote establishment for at least one of sales of products or storageof products. For example, the particular display area may not be locatedadjacent to or within viewing distance of the establishment. This mayinclude embodiments in which a temporary display area is set up in ahigh traffic area, such as at flea markets and concerts, but theinventory of products remains at the establishment which is remote fromthe display area. This may also include embodiments in which a displayarea is set up in a country or region where the establishment does nothave a permanent presence (such as stores or storage facilities), butstill wishes to conduct business in. In some embodiments, the remoteestablishment may offer the products associated with the particulardisplay area as products available for sale, for shipping, or forpick-up. For example, products displayed in the particular display areamay be offered for purchase in the establishment. The establishment mayoffer to ship purchased products to customers who completed purchasesfrom the particular display area, so that the customers are not requiredto travel to the establishment to retrieve their purchased items.Additionally, or alternatively, the establishment may offer in-storepick-up of products purchased from the particular display area, suchthat customers who made a purchase from the particular display may comeinto the establishment to make possession of their purchased products.

Disclosed embodiments may include retrieving product-related informationof products associated with the particular display area from the atleast one data structure based on the identification of the particulardisplay area. For example, when the identification of the particulardisplay area (i.e., the particular display area ID) is known, the atleast one processor may perform a look-up of the particular display areaID in the at least one data structure to access information of theparticular display area. The accessed information may include the listof products as well as product-related information of the products thatare associated with (i.e., products housed in, arranged for publicviewing within, or otherwise paired with) the particular display area.In some embodiments, product-related information may include dataregarding a specific item or data regarding a type or class of aspecific item. Examples of product-related information may include priceinformation, MSRP, pictures of the product, descriptions of the product,care instructions, usage instructions, material composition,manufacturing time and location, shipping history, processing history,and ownership history. In some embodiments, the product-relatedinformation of products associated with the particular display area mayinclude identities of at least some of the products associated with theparticular display area (that is, the unique product identifier orproduct ID of at least some of the products associated with theparticular display area). Additionally, or alternatively, theproduct-related information of products associated with the particulardisplay area may include information of a physical location where aproduct associated with the particular display area is available forpick-up. For example, the product-related information may includeinformation of retail establishments, storage facilities, and otherlocations where particular products in the display area may bepicked-up. This may include, for example, a list of retailestablishments near the customer or near an address associated with thecustomer (such as a home address, an office address, or a hotel or otherlodging where the customer is currently staying) in which a particularproduct is in stock.

Disclosed embodiments may include transmitting the product-relatedinformation to the mobile communications device. For example, the atleast one processor may be configured to transmit all of theproduct-related information or a selection of the product-relatedinformation to the mobile communications device. As a result, theindividual operating the mobile communications device may receiveinformation about the product that may be helpful in making a purchasedecision. In disclosed embodiments, transmitting the product-relatedinformation to the mobile communications device may include transmittinga signal to cause the mobile communications device to display theproduct-related information on a graphical user interface. As usedherein, a graphical user interface (GUI) may include an interfacethrough which a user may interact with an electronic device such as acomputer, hand-held device, smartphone, tablet, touchscreen device, andother appliances. The GUI may use icons, menus, and/or other visualindicator (graphics) representations to display information and relateduser controls. GUI representations may be manipulated by a pointingdevice such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, or a finger on a touchscreen. In some embodiments, the GUI may include a display on the mobilecommunications device, which may be configured as a touch screen in someembodiments. As an example, FIG. 11 shows an exemplary system 11000including at least one processor 11004 configured to transmitinformation via network 11002 to a user device 11008, which may includea user interface 11010 such as a GUI. In some embodiments, processor11004 may transmit a signal to device 11008 that causes device 11008 todisplay the product-related information on a GUI of user interface11010.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface may be configured todisplay the product-related information in at least one of a textualformat or a graphical format. As used herein, textual format may referto a display including alphanumerical information of products, such as aproduct's name, type, price, color, size, or location. Further, as usedherein, graphical format may refer to a display including at least oneimage, photograph, or pictorial rendering of a product. In someembodiments, the display of the product-related information may includeinformation in textual format and information in graphical format.

FIG. 22 illustrates a non-limiting example of a graphical user interface(GUI) 22010 displayed on mobile communications device 18116. GUI 22010may display product-related information of products associated withdisplay area 21014 of FIG. 21. In the example shown in FIG. 22, GUI22010 may be configured as an online purchase interface for the purchaseof products in display area 21014; however, in alternative embodiments,GUI 22010 may be configured to display the product-related informationseparate from the online purchase interface. GUI 22010 may include anidentifier 22012 of the particular display area where the products areon display. GUI 22010 may include textual information 22014, such as awritten description of each product offered in display area 21014. GUI22010 may also include graphical information 22016, such as photographsor images of each item. GUI 22010 may also include fields 22018 (e.g.,check boxes) that the user may select to purchase specific products.

Disclosed embodiments may additionally or alternatively includetransmitting a signal to cause the mobile communications device tooutput the product-related information as audible information forpresentation via the mobile communications device. For example, themobile communications device may include a speaker or another audiooutput mechanism. The at least one processor may transmit a signal tothe mobile communications device that causes the device to output theproduct-related information via the speaker as audible information, suchas spoken information related to the products of the particular displayarea.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one receiver associated withthe particular display area. In some embodiments, a receiver “associatedwith” a particular display area may include receivers located partiallyor entirely within the particular display area, receivers configured toreceive signals transmitted to the particular display area or from theparticular display area, and receivers that receive signals containinginformation related to the particular display area.

In disclosed embodiments, the at least one receiver may be configured toreceive wireless signals from the mobile communications device. Forexample, the receiver may include an access point or wireless routerwithin or near the particular display area, which may establish awireless connection with the mobile communications device. The at leastone processor may have a wired (e.g., Ethernet) and/or wirelessconnection to the receiver, thus enabling data transmission between themobile communications device and the at least one processor, even whenthe mobile communications device is operated by a user standing outsidelooking at the particular display area. As an example, FIG. 21 showsreceiver 21020 associated with display area 21012 and receiver 21022associated with display area 21014; in the example shown, the receiversmay be located within their respective display areas. Receivers 21020and 21022 may be configured to receive wireless signs from a mobilecommunications device, such as device 18116.

Disclosed embodiments may include determining, based on the signalsreceived via the at least one receiver, a location of the mobilecommunications device in relation to the particular display area. Forexample, a mobile communications device may transmit a signal that maybe received by the at least one receiver. However, depending on theproximity to the at least one receiver, the power level of the signalreceived by each receiver may differ in magnitude, phase, angle ofarrival or time of arrival. The at least one processor may use thissignal data to calculate certain properties of the propagation of thesignal over the communication medium, establishing such parameters asthe range a signal may be detected at, a value representative of therelative or actual distance at which the signal has been transmitted,the signal-to-noise ratio, interference properties etc. In the contextof wireless communication, magnitude may be measured in units of power,usually either Watts or dBW (decibel-Watts or dB-Watts) which is alogarithmic unit related to Watts (or sometimes in units of dBm, whichis related to milliwatts in the same manner dBW is related to Watts). Inthat sense, a power level of the signal may refer, for example, to apower measurement immediately at the input of the signal at thereceiver, while the receiver is actively receiving one or more signals.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor may determine a locationof the mobile communications device by comparing the power levels of thesignals received at each receiver and determining the location of thedevice based on the comparison. For example, the power level of a firstsignal transmitted by the mobile communications device and received by afirst receiver may be higher than the power level of other signals fromthe device received by other receivers due to the device being closer tothe first receiver than to the other receivers. The first receiver maybe associated with a given location, and therefore, based on the firstreceiver receiving the strongest signal and its association with thegiven location, it may be determined that the mobile communicationsdevice is located at that location. Similarly, multiple signal strengthsdetected by different receivers may be used to estimate a device'slocation. For example, using three signal strengths detected by threereceivers, the at least one processor may triangulate the signals toestimate or determine the transmission source, which may correspond tothe location of the mobile communications device. In disclosedembodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to determine alocation of the mobile communications device in relation to theparticular display area since the location of the at least one receiverand/or particular display area may be known beforehand. The at least oneprocessor may compare the determined location of the mobilecommunications device to the location(s) of the at least one receiverand/or particular display area to determine the location of the mobilecommunications device in relation to the particular display area.

Disclosed embodiments may include transmitting a signal to the mobilecommunications device to cause the mobile communications device toprioritize the product-related information based on a proximity of theplurality of products associated with the particular display area to themobile communications device. As discussed in detail below, prioritizingthe product-related information may include controlling at least oneparameter of a presentation of the product-related information by themobile communications device. In some embodiments, proximity of productsto the mobile communications device may refer to a distance between agiven product and the mobile communications device. Thus, in someembodiments, the mobile communications device may be caused toprioritize the product-related information based on the distance betweena given product and the mobile communications device. In someembodiments, products that are closer to the mobile communicationsdevice may have a “higher” priority than products that are further away.Alternatively, products that are closer to the mobile communicationsdevice may have a “lower” priority than products that are further away.

In some embodiments, prioritizing the product-related information mayinclude controlling an order in which the product-related information ispresented by the mobile communications device based on proximity of theproducts to the mobile communications device. For example, when theproduct-related information is displayed on a graphical user interface,products determined to be closer to the mobile communications device maybe displayed earlier or placed higher in an ordered list than productsthat are further away. To illustrate, in GUI 22010 depicted in FIG. 22,telephone 22020 may be the closest product to the mobile communicationsdevice and may therefore be listed first in GUI 22010. Conversely, chair22022 may be the product farthest from the mobile communications deviceand may therefore be listed last in GUI 22010.

Additionally, or alternatively, prioritizing the product-relatedinformation may include controlling a level of detail of theproduct-related information presented by the mobile communicationsdevice based on proximity of the products to the mobile communicationsdevice. For example, when the product-related information is displayedon a graphical user interface, more information may be shown of productsclose to the mobile communications device, while less information may beshown of products further away. As an illustrative example, GUI 22010may include the largest number of informational fields for telephone22020 (including manufacturer, material, date, and price), which is theclosest product to the mobile communications device. However, theinterface may include fewer information fields for products that arefurther away. For example, GUI 22010 may include the smallest number ofinformation fields for chair 22022 (only the price), since chair 22022is the farthest product from the mobile communications device in variousembodiments.

Additionally, or alternatively, prioritizing the product-relatedinformation may include controlling a selection of the product-relatedinformation for presentation by the mobile communications device basedon proximity of the products to the mobile communications device. Forexample, when the product-related information is displayed on agraphical user interface, the interface may only include information ofa predetermined number of products (e.g., five products); the fiveproducts which are closest to the mobile communications device may beincluded in the display, while products that are further away may not beincluded.

Disclosed embodiments may include receiving, from the mobilecommunications device, a selection of at least one specific productassociated with the particular display area. For example, the mobilecommunications device may receive the selection from a user via a userinterface such as a touch screen or keyboard. Disclosed embodiments mayalso include initiating an activity associated with the selection. Asused herein, an activity may include one or more functions executed bythe at least one processor based on the selection of the at least onespecific product.

In disclosed embodiments, the selection may include a purchase requestand the activity may include a purchase transaction. As used herein, apurchase request may include a communication signal generated by themobile communications device indicating an order to purchase the atleast one specific product from the establishment on behalf of the userof the mobile communications device or another person or entity. Asdisclosed elsewhere in this disclosure, a purchase transaction mayinclude the transfer of ownership, rights of possession, or any otherinterest in the at least one specific product from the establishment tothe user of the mobile communications device or another person orentity, in exchange for monetary payment or other consideration. In someembodiments, the purpose transaction may be performed electronically bythe at least one processor or by another processor. In embodiments inwhich another processor performs the purchase transaction, the at leastone processor may be configured to initiate the purchase transaction bytransferring information and/or instructions for the purchasetransaction to the other processor. Alternatively, the purchasetransaction may be performed manually, such as by an individualassociated with a bank or clearinghouse. In such embodiments, the atleast one processor may be configured to initiate the purchasetransaction by sending information and/or instructions for the purchasetransaction to the party that is to perform the transaction (e.g., to abank or clearinghouse).

Disclosed embodiments may include transmitting, to the mobilecommunications device, options for product delivery in connection withthe purchase transaction. For example, the options for product deliverymay include options available for delivering the at least one specificproduct (purchased in the purchase transaction) to the user of themobile communications device or to a designated third-party recipient.Some non-limiting examples of options for product delivery may includepicking up the at least one specific product at a location in a vicinityof the particular display area (e.g., in-store pick-up of the at leastone specific product from the retail establishment to which theparticular display area is attached, by the purchaser or by anotherauthorized to pick-up the at least one specific product), picking up theat least one specific product at a location other than the location inthe vicinity of the particular display area (e.g., picking up the atleast one specific product from another branch or location associatedwith the same business or vendor), and delivering the at least onespecific product to a specified address (e.g., shipping the at least onespecific product to a designated address, such as the recipient's homeor business address, or shipping the at least one specific product to becollected from a central pick-up location such as a post office,shipping company location, outlet, or collection locker). In someembodiments, the user of the mobile communications device may select anoption for product delivery using the mobile communications device.

In disclosed embodiments, the purchase request may include a requestthat the at least one specific product associated with the particulardisplay area be shipped to a location specified via the mobilecommunications device. For example, a delivery address may be inputtedto the mobile communications device and included with the purchaserequest sent to the at least one processor. In some embodiments, afterthe purchase transaction is completed, the at least one specific product(i.e., the purchased product(s)) may be delivered to the address orlocation designated via the mobile communications device.

In disclosed embodiments, the selection may include a request foradditional information and the activity may include transmitting theadditional information to the mobile communications device. As usedherein, a request for additional information may include a communicationsignal sent from the mobile communications device to the at least oneprocessor that solicits a responsive communication signal from the atleast one processor and which designates certain information to beincluded in the responsive communication signal. For example, therequest for additional information may solicit information about the atleast one specific product (or any other product in the particulardisplay area or in another display area) that was not previouslyprovided to the mobile communications device. In response to the requestfor additional information, the at least one processor may transmit theadditional information to the mobile communications device or,alternatively, may transmit an indication that the additionalinformation is not available or is not authorized to be sent to themobile communications device.

Disclosed embodiments may include a system for reading wirelesstransmitting tags in an establishment containing a plurality ofwirelessly tagged products, and for automatically generating a productdistribution planogram. A wireless transmitting tag may include anywirelessly detectable device, such as, for example, a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) device, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacondevice, a device including a microcontroller powered by radio-frequencyenergy, or any other structure configured to transmit signals capable ofdetection. As used herein, an establishment may include any area,building, or structure in which an inventory of objects or materials maybe stored or maintained, such as, for example, a retail establishment,store, warehouse, distribution center, logistics center, fulfillmentcenter, manufacturing area, shipping area, storage area, home, medicalfacility, eating establishment, kitchen, or any other area where it maybe beneficial to track items. As used herein, a product may include anyobject or material stored or maintained within an establishment, asdiscussed above. By way of non-limiting examples, a product may includefood, clothing, shoes, electronics, consumer goods, equipment, vehicles,consumables, packaging, accessories, supplies, materials, artistry,animals, instruments, pallets, containers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics,commodities, articles, devices, machinery, implements, mechanisms,tools, furniture, or any other object that may be present in anestablishment. In some embodiments, the establishment may offer theproducts for sale, exchange, or barter, for display, for safekeeping,for storage, for distribution, and/or for complimentary giveaway.

Embodiments of the system may read wireless transmitting tags in anestablishment by placing a receiver to receive signals. Wirelesstransmitting tags may emit signals continuously or may be activated whena scanner is in proximity. In some embodiments, wireless transmittingtags may be RFID tags activated by a magnetic field of a scanner. Insome embodiments, wireless transmitting tags may include visual signals.By way of non-limiting examples, visual signals may include barcodes andtwo-dimension bar codes such as QR codes captured by a dedicated opticalscanner or a camera. Embodiments of the system may include wirelesstransmitting tags that may include a power source and a computingsource, and may emit signals without any activation. In someembodiments, the system may incorporate multiple forms of wirelesstransmitting tags emitting signals in different forms.

A wireless transmitting tag may be associated with a product to enablethe product, via the tag, to provide self-identification. As discussedelsewhere in this disclosure, embodiments of a wireless transmitting tagmay include any device suitable to attach to any object for the purposeof identifying the object visually, tactilely, audibly, orelectronically without the use of externally connected cables or wires.Other embodiments may be embedded into an item as part of themanufacturing process or later, for example, by a retailer.

A product distribution planogram may include any visual representationof products in an establishment. By way of non-limiting examples, visualrepresentations may include images of products overlaid on a floor mapof an establishment. A planogram may include detailed interiors of anestablishment visually represented in a two-dimensional image or athree-dimensional image with visual representations of wirelessly taggedproducts placed in positions matching the actual placement of wirelesslytagged products in the establishment. A planogram may include a detailedvisual representation of various aisles and/or shelves present in anestablishment. In some embodiments, a planogram may include a navigableinterface to move between different shelves and aisles of anestablishment. A product placement planogram may include an informativerepresentation of the distribution and placement of products in anestablishment. By way of non-limiting examples, the informativerepresentation may include symbols, icons, pictograms, names or imagesof products and/or product families or categories, overlaid on a floormap or other graphical or schematic representation of an establishment.A planogram may include a sketch of an interior of the establishment ora detailed schematic, diagram, drawing or other representation, in atwo-dimensional or a three-dimensional or a perspective form, overlaidwith an informative representation of the placement and/or location ofwirelessly tagged products in the establishment. A planogram may includea rough representation in the level of detail of wards, zones ordepartments of an establishment, or a more detailed representation atthe level of detail of individual fixtures, or an even more detailedrepresentation at the level of individual shelves, bins, drawers,hangers or other subdivisions of the fixtures, or at any other leveldesired by the owners or operators of the establishment. In someembodiments, a planogram may include a navigable interface to movebetween different zones, areas, aisles or fixtures of an establishment.

For example, a planogram may include a map of an establishment,including an overlay layer of information, the overlay layer detailingthe designated locations of various items in the establishment. Theplanogram may include a map of, for example, a store including divisionof the store into one or more departments, the subdivision of the one ormore departments into one or more sub-departments based on a desiredhierarchy of the store's catalog. The planogram may include an exactdesignated distribution of items (possibly including quantities andattributes) on fixtures (e.g., shelves), zones (e.g., aisles), orlocations in the store. In some embodiments, a planogram may include amap of a work-area including designated placement of various tools andimplements around the work-area, possibly including locations ofdedicated work-stations and/or equipment required to be present at eachwork-station. In some embodiments, the planogram may include a map of awarehouse or other storage location, including one or more items thatare to be located in each section, location, fixture, or shelf in thewarehouse or other storage area (possibly including quantities or anyother attributes associated with the one or more items).

A planogram may be viewed and interacted with using a desktop device, amobile device, or any other type of computational device using one ormore input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, pointing devices,touch screens, or another input mechanism). Alternatively, oradditionally, a planogram may be printed to be used by staff, customersor visitors in the establishment. In some embodiments of the system, aplanogram may be viewed using a head-mounted display, such as Occulus VRheadset, Microsoft Holo lens, HTC Vive. A planogram may be generatedusing image processing technology such as Matterport to create animmersive three-dimensional planogram. Embodiments of the system maypresent the planogram in different ways based on a device used forinteracting with the planogram. For example, a planogram may bepresented in a three-dimensional manner when interacting with theplanogram using an AR/VR headset and as a two-dimensional floor map wheninteracting with the planogram using a tablet or mobile phone.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one processor as describedelsewhere in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the at least oneprocessor is configured to receive from a plurality of receivers in theestablishment, wireless signals from the plurality of the wirelesslytagged products, wherein the wireless signals include an ID associatedwith each of the plurality of wirelessly tagged products. In someembodiments, the wireless signals include an ID associated with each ofthe plurality of wirelessly tagged products. In some embodiments, the atleast one processor is configured to access a data structure associatingeach ID of each wirelessly tagged product with classificationinformation. By way of example, data structure 11006, as illustrated inFIG. 11, may include associations between wirelessly tagged products andadditional information such as classification information.

As used herein, classification information may include one or more itemsof data that describe one or more characteristics of the one or morewirelessly tagged products that may allow for organizing and/orarranging the one or more products in categories or in hierarchies.Classification information associated with the wirelessly taggedproducts may be used to group wirelessly tagged products into one ormore groups or sub-groups in a hierarchical manner such that any productis assigned a single grouping at each hierarchy level. The resultingclassification may be arranged in the form of a catalog, which lists allproducts according to their hierarchical association, down to a finalhierarchy level where each product is assigned a unique code, number orother identifier. By way of non-limiting examples, classificationinformation may include one or more of a name of a product, size of theproduct, type of the product (e.g., solid, liquid, gel, paste),description of the product (e.g., oil, detergent, clothing), the brandname of the product, name of the product manufacturer, non-visible metainformation such as collection name, spring or fall collection, thepurpose of the wirelessly tagged product, or any other informationassociated with the wirelessly tagged product. Classificationinformation may also include a combination of different characteristicsof the product, including size, shape, color, and other informationdescribed above. Classification information may be used to helpdetermine the location of an actual product placed in an establishment.By way of example, classification information may be based on a catalogof items in a clothing store, arranged into first-level hierarchies suchas “Menswear”, “Womenswear”, “Childrenswear” and “Accessories.” The“Womenswear” hierarchy may be further divided inro second-levelhierarchy such as “Shirts”, “Skirts”, “Dresses”, “Pants”, “Underwear”,“Footwear” and “Outerwear.” The “Pants” hierarchy may be further dividedinto third-level hierarchies such as “Denim”, “Dress Pants”, “Shorts”and “Home Pants.” Additional hierarchical levels may also be included.By way of another example, classification information may be based onand so on a work-area catalog arranged into first-level hierarchies suchas “Powered tools”, “Unpowered tools”, “Nuts and Bolts”, “Screws andNails”, “Consumables” and “Liquids and Canisters.” The “Unpowered tools”hierarchy may be further divided into second-level hierarchies such as“Hammers”, “Screwdrivers”, “Sharp tools”, “Pliers and pincers”, and“Delicate tools.” The “Screwdrivers” hierarchy may be further dividedinto third-level hierarchies such as “Cross-headed”, “Flat-headed”,“Hexagon-headed” and “Other.” Additional hierarchical levels may also beincluded. A product's classification information may include allhierarchy levels the product is associated with in a given catalog.

Disclosed embodiments may use classification information to providerecommendations on locations where a new product may be placed in anestablishment. For example, a new clothing product belonging to acertain brand may be placed along with other clothing products of thesame brand. In another example, a new clothing product in an extra smallsize may be placed in the petite section of the establishment with allother extra small clothing products belonging to different brands andmanufacturers. Classification information may be associated with alocation in an establishment using a mapping table between differentclassification information and locations in an establishment. Mappingbetween classification information and locations within an establishmentmay be stored in a data structure. In some embodiments, mapping betweenclassification information and locations within an establishment may bedetermined using a machine learning model trained using pastrelationships between establishment locations and classificationinformation of products, as well as other related information such assales data, calendar data (such as holidays), trends data, manufacturingforecasts, delivery forecasts etc. Wirelessly tagged products may bepart of different groups. For example, classification information basedon the size of products and brand may result in a clothing establishmentconsidering placing all petite clothes in a single location or placingthe same clothes of a matching brand in one location.

In some embodiments, the classification information includes a productmodel code and wherein the planogram indicates on the map a location ofat least one group of products sharing the product model code. As usedherein, product model code may include a number, code, or other forms ofdata uniquely associated with a type of product, object, material, orany other item, as part of a stock management system, inventory keepingsystem, or other such data management platform. Examples of productmodel codes include SKU codes, EPC codes, barcodes, ISBN codes, productnumbers, part numbers, catalog numbers, or any other identifyingindicia. A product model code may include an identifier, e.g., atextual, graphical, numerical, alphanumeric, or digital representationthat describes a model, brand name, manufacturer, or otherclassification information associated with a product. In someembodiments, a product model code may include a model number provided bya manufacturer of wireless tagged products. In some embodiments, aproduct model code may include a subgroup of products within matchingcharacteristics used in determining classification information. Forexample, a group of laptop products may have the same model code havingsome common hardware specifications but may include laptops of differentconfigurable memory (RAM). Alternatively, or additionally, the group oflaptops may have the same model code only if they share all hardwarespecifications, including the same configurable memory (RAM). Anidentifier used for a product model code may include portionsrepresenting different characteristics of the product. For example, theproduct model code of a laptop product may include the processorcharacteristics (e.g., clock speed, L2 Cache size), memory size (e.g.,16 GB, 32 GB) and configuration (e.g., single card, dual card), harddisk type (e.g., magnetic, NAND flash, hybrid). In some embodiments, aproduct model code may use mnemonics to represent differentcharacteristics. For example, the first letter of the type of hard disktype (e.g., ‘M’ for magnetic, ‘F’ for flash) may be used in the productmodel code.

In some embodiments, the planogram indicates on the map of theestablishment a location of at least one group of products sharing theproduct model code. A location on the map may be an outline in the mapof the establishment indicating a total space occupied by the group ofproducts in the establishment, an icon on the map indicating the area,zone or fixture where the group of products can be found, or a pointerto a position in the map of the establishment approximately where atleast one of the group of products is present in the establishment.Indications of this manner can result in a location on the map depictinga position where the group of products may be approximately found in theestablishment or exactly match the location of the group of products inthe establishment. In some embodiments, the location may be representedwith a visual representation of products presented as images of actualproducts, images of brand or manufacturer, icons representing theproducts, text or other code representing the product, or some othersign which may be interpreted in a legend of the planogram or byaccessing a database interpreting the various indications on theplanogram for the approximate or accurate locations of the group ofproducts or groups of products. In some embodiments, the location mayinclude generic images of a class of products. For example, a soupproduct may be represented using a generic soup can. Location indicationin a map may include highlighting the images of products. For example,the system may gray out images of products overlaid on the map exceptfor the group of products. Additional product details such as productmodel code may help identify products sharing other classificationinformation and shared location. For example, a planogram representing agrocery establishment may have several dairy products, such as milkcartons from different manufacturers with milk cartons from the samemanufacturer having shared classification information. The sharedclassification information may be used to determine an aisle locationfor the products. A subset of those products that share the productmodel code may be located on a common shelf within the shared aislelocation. By way of example, as illustrated in FIG. 23, a group ofproducts with shared classification information may include an indicatorin the form of an outline as shown surrounding groups 23002 and 23008.For example, vegetable products, fruits, and other products present inan establishment represented by planogram 23001 may share a commonproduct model code of vegetarian food and thus may have outline 23002indicating the location shared by all these products. An additionaloutline 23008 surrounding vegetable products only is shown in FIG. 23 toindicate the vegetable products sharing the product model code ofvegetable.

In some embodiments, the classification information includes anassociated product model code for each wirelessly tagged product,wherein the planogram indicates locations of a plurality of groups ofwirelessly tagged products, with each group of wirelessly taggedproducts sharing a common product model code. As discussed above, insome embodiments, the planogram may indicate a group of wirelesslytagged products sharing a common product model code with a visualrepresentation. In some embodiments, the planogram may include aplurality of such visual representations, each visual representationrepresenting a group of wirelessly tagged products sharing a commonproduct model code. For example, in an electronics establishment, laptopproducts with the same hardware specifications may have different modelcodes for a different amount of memory. A planogram may include a visualrepresentation indicating a subset of products such as laptops with thesame memory size sharing a product model code.

In some embodiments, the classification information includes for eachwirelessly tagged product, an associated product family indicator, andwherein the planogram divides a map of the establishment by productfamily. As used herein, a product family may include a group of productshaving a matching functionality or purpose, or some other matchingcharacteristic. As used herein functionality of a product includesfeatures that may be required for operation, features that may be usedby a user, or functions of the product when powered on or operated by auser. For example, various air purifier fans found in an appliance storetype establishment may have the same functionality of cleaning variousimpurities in the air and would be considered part of the same productfamily. A purpose of a product is determined based on what the productis used for by a user. For example, different gaming consoles (e.g.,Sony Play Station, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Switch) are meant for thesame purpose of playing video games, although they function differentlyand would be considered part of the same product family. A productfamily may include different brand products and from differentmanufacturers. In some embodiments, a user may be allowed to configurewhich brands and manufacturers' products may be included under oneproduct family. In some embodiments, products of a specific brand ormade by a specific manufacturer may be designated as belonging to aproduct family separate from other brands or manufacturers, despitehaving similar or common functionality or purpose. For example, aneyewear store may designate an area of their display solely to glassesbelonging to a specific brand, for example Ray Ban, despite havingsunglasses, reading glasses and optical glasses by other brandsavailable in other areas of the store and arranged there according topurpose and functionality, and not by brand. In some embodiments, a usermay also be allowed to configure definitions of matching functionalityor purpose, or any other characteristic which is advantageous for theuser in cataloging their products. For example, a product family may berepresented by the one or more hierarchical levels in a catalogdiscussed above.

As used herein, a product family indicator may be a link to a productfamily information. An indicator may be a visual code or label overlaidon a planogram and is issued to indicate that a group of products sharefunctionality or purpose. In some embodiments, a product familyindicator may be presented in visual format as different colors, textualformat as different labels. A product family indicator is one of theforms of indicator (described above) that may be used by a planogramgenerator to include in a planogram to indicate the subset of productsamong all the products shown by the planogram that would be considered afamily. A family of products may be defined based on the functionalityand purpose of the products, and some of the products may be ofdifferent brands and made by different manufacturers. By way of example,a link and/or visual indicator depicting one or more of the hierarchicallevels (e.g., product family) may be displayed on the planogram.

As discussed above, classification information may include commoncharacteristics between various products, including common familyinformation. Classification information may include product familyinformation or may be linked to product family information. In someembodiments, classification information may be linked to an indicator ofa product family. In some embodiments, a product family indicator mayinclude an outline around locations of a planogram where productssharing different product details are placed. In some embodiments, aproduct family indicator may include, for example, a list of locationsin text format, highlighting of different visual representations ofproducts in planogram, color-coded highlighting of visual representationof products, color-coded highlighting of an outline of a location basedon product model code, product family or other shared classificationinformation, or any other type of visual representation that may help todistinguish product families.

A planogram may use classification information such as product familyindicators to provide visual representations of different productfamilies present in an establishment. For example, a planogram of asupermarket establishment may illustrate all products in a vegetableproducts family in a different color or use a different graphical iconas compared to all the products in a seafood products family. Thus, theplanogram may provide a visual representation indicating the differentproduct families. By way of example, as illustrated in FIG. 23, aplanogram 23001 may include product family indicator 23012 and 23014shown as a rectangular bars, identifying groups of products that arepart of a product family.

In some embodiments, the classification information includes a productmodel code, and wherein the data structure contains informationassociating each product model code with a product family, wherein theat least one processor is configured to access the data structure andascertain from each determined model code associated with each wirelesstag, an associated product family. In some embodiments, a product modelcode may be stored in the same data structure storing classificationinformation. For example, a product model code may be in the same recordas classification information or linked to the record containingclassification information. Classification information stored in thedata structure may additionally or alternatively include product familyinformation in addition to product model code and may include associatedrelationships. Product groups forming a product family may be part ofanother product family in a hierarchical manner, with the product familyat the top having the least number of matching characteristics betweenproducts and the products at the bottom having the greatest number ofmatching characteristics. For example, an electronics manufacturer ofvarious computing devices may have various laptops with product modelcodes belonging to the laptop product family. In some embodiments,product family information may be hierarchical. For example, in theabove example of computing devices, a laptop product family may be partof the computing devices product family. In some embodiments, the datastructure may contain information associating each product model codewith a product family. In some embodiments, the data structure mayinclude a hash map associating a product ID with various productdetails, including product model code. In some embodiments, a productmodel code may be the product ID. The data structure may includemultiple hash maps for each product with mappings between product ID andproducts details at different levels matching the product familyhierarchy. For example, the data structure may store a first mappingbetween a product's model code and product details common across themodel. For example, a product model code representing a laptop mayinclude common product details such as screen size, number of keys inthe keyboard, weight, camera resolution, CPU speed but may not includeconfigurable network adaptor MAC address. In some embodiments, the datastructure may store a second mapping between each product serial numberand product details specific to an instance of a product. In the aboveexample, the second mapping may include a unique serial number of aninstance of a laptop product mapped to the network MAC address of thenetwork adaptor, included in the instance of the product, or to thelicense key to the operating system (OS) installed on the specificdevice with the unique serial number.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to accessthe data structure and ascertain from each determined model codeassociated with each wireless tag, an associated product family. Thesystem may utilize processors (e.g., processors 11004 of FIG. 11) toaccess data structures to ascertain, based on the given product modelcode, the mapped product family. As described above, a data structure(e.g., data structures 1106 of FIG. 11) may include hash map mappingbetween product ID represented using product model code and a productfamily. Processors may supply the product model code as an input key tothe hash map to look up the product family. In some embodiments, aproduct model code may be supplied by a user searching for productfamily details by selecting a product and, in turn, supplying theproduct model code associated with the selected product. The productmodel code may be accessed from various product details associated withthe product stored in a different hash map by providing “product modelcode” string as a key.

Some disclosed embodiments may involve determining from wirelesssignals, locations in the establishment of each of the wirelessly taggedproducts. For example, one or more processors may utilizecharacteristics of wireless signals to determine the location of thewirelessly tagged products associated with signal generating wirelesstransmitting tags. Some embodiments may involve determining locationsbased on at least one of an amplitude, a phase, an angle of arrival, ora time of arrival of the received wireless signals. One or morereceivers may provide locations of wireless transmitting tags associatedwith wirelessly tagged products with the system based on the angle ofthe wireless signal received by receivers. One or more receivers mayadditionally or alternatively provide amplitude, phase, angle, and timeof arrival of wireless signals at the one or more receivers. The atleast one processor may determine locations of the wirelessly taggedproducts based on the information regarding the wireless signalsprovided by the receivers. In some embodiments, characteristics ofwireless signals such as angle and time of arrival and associatedlocations in the establishment may be stored in a data structure. Insome embodiments, the at least one processor may utilize the storedmapping between wireless signal characteristics and locations toretrieve location information associated with newly received wirelesssignals. By way of a non-limiting example, as illustrated in FIG. 9,tag(s) 1100 attached to wirelessly tagged products may share thewireless signals through receiver(s) 11300 a-g via network 11002. One ormore processors 11004 may determine location information associated withthe wirelessly tagged products based on the received wireless signals.In some embodiments, a machine learning model may be trained todetermine the location of wirelessly tagged products. For example, knownlocations and associated characteristics (e.g., angles, amplitudes, orother signal characteristics) of wireless signals may be used astraining data to train the machine learning model. The trained machinelearning model may then be executed by the at least one processor todetermine locations of the wirelessly tagged products by providing oneor more characteristics of the wireless signals as input to the trainedmachine learning model.

In some embodiments, the system may determine locations of wirelesslytagged products upon receiving multiple instances of wireless signalsfrom each wireless transmitting tag associated with the wirelesslytagged products belonging to the same product family or sharing the sameproduct model code. In some embodiments, the system may determine thelocation of wirelessly tagged products upon receiving wireless signalsfrom a wireless transmitting tag over a period of time. For example, theat least one processor may determine the origin location of an emittedwireless signal and, in turn, the wirelessly tagged product locationbased on the characteristics (e.g., amplitude, phase, angle) of thewireless signal, as described above. The processor may designate thedetermined location as a temporary location until a threshold number ofwireless signals, including an ID of a wirelessly tagged product, areemitted from the same location. In some embodiments, the at least oneprocessor may receive characteristics of the wireless signals for a setperiod of time (e.g., an hour, a day, a week, or any other predeterminedperiod of time) before finalizing the association of a location with awirelessly tagged product. Embodiments of the system may allowconfiguration of the number of instances and amount of time of receiptof wireless signals associated with wireless transmitting tags.Embodiments may use signals collected over a period of time to determinea possible range of characteristics of signals that may occur in anestablishment. For example, a clothing establishment may have multiplecopies of the same item of clothing stacked in a pile. The multiplecopies may each be associated with a wireless transmitting tag. Thewireless transmitting tags of the different items of clothing maygenerate wireless signals with different characteristics based on theirplacement in the establishment on multiple shelves of an aisle. Inanother scenario, wireless signals emitted by wireless transmitting tagsassociated with wirelessly tagged products may be received by differentreceivers resulting in different characteristics associated with thesignals emitted by different instances of the same product. In yetanother scenario, other entities present in the establishment emittingwireless signals (e.g., mobile phones, pagers, other radio frequencysignal emitting devices), or otherwise interfering with wireless signals(e.g. people moving about the establishment and blocking differentsignals at different times between different tags and different readers)may distort the wireless signals originating from wirelessly taggedproducts resulting in signals of different characteristics received overtime. A processor of the disclosed system may store characteristics ofvarious signals over a period of time to determine a range of values forsignal characteristics that represent a location in an establishment andidentify a location if a new wireless signal characteristic values fallwithin the stored range of values.

Some embodiments may involve performing a lookup in the data structureof each ID of each of the wirelessly tagged products to determine theproduct classification information associated with each of thewirelessly tagged products. One or more processors may, for example,determine classification information related to wirelessly taggedproducts using identifying information, such as tag ID. For example, oneor more processors may search a data structure storing theclassification information in association with tag IDs. By way ofexample, the data structure utilized in looking up classificationinformation may include a hash map that may have keys that include IDsof wirelessly tagged products and values with one or more productdetails, such as product name, dimensions, technical specification,manufacturer name, brand name, classification information, and/or anyother information or data associated with the products. In someembodiments, the data structure may include a key pointing to a storagelocation (e.g., memory location) containing product details or theclassification information portion of product details. In someembodiments, the at least one processor may transform data orinformation included in wireless signals emitted by a wirelesstransmitting tag associated with a wirelessly tagged product to a tag IDassociated with the wirelessly tagged product. Transformation mayinclude combining different data (e.g., product serial number, wirelesssignal receipt timestamp, wireless signal characteristics such asamplitude and angle) to uniquely identify a product. For example, aunique tag ID associated with a clothing product with a wirelesstransmitting tag may include information, such as brand name, productname, and size. A processor (e.g., processors 11004 of FIG. 11) of thesystem may be used to transform data in a received wireless signal togenerate a tag ID and use it to access product classificationinformation by using the tag ID to lookup a location of productclassification information in a hash map included in the data structuredefined above. The processor may then access the identified storagelocation to retrieve the classification information.

Some embodiments may involve generating a planogram for theestablishment using the determined locations of each wirelessly taggedproduct and the determined product classification information, whereinthe planogram indicates on a map of the establishment locations ofgroups of the wirelessly tagged products sharing common classificationinformation. In some embodiments, the at least one processor mayretrieve one or more visual, textual, iconographic, schematic,contextual or other representations of one or more wirelessly taggedproducts from a data storage (e.g., data structure 11006 of FIG. 11)based on product classification information to generate a planogram. Insome embodiments, the at least one processor may additionally oralternatively provide previously determined location information for theone or more wireless tagged products to a planogram generator module.The at least one processor may execute the planogram generator module toinsert the one or more representations associated with the one or morewirelessly tagged products into corresponding locations in a planogram.In some embodiments, the at least one processor may use locationsassociated with each wirelessly tagged product to determine locationboundaries defining the beginning and ending positions of a type ofproduct in an establishment. The type of product may refer toclassification information, product model code, and/or product family.For example, location boundaries may determine one or more shelveswithin an aisle and/or coordinates within the one or more shelves whereeach wirelessly tagged product may be located. Thus, for example, insome embodiments, the planogram generated by the planogram generator mayindicate on a map of an establishment locations of groups of thewirelessly tagged products sharing common classification information.

In some embodiments, the planogram generator may use the locationinformation of wirelessly tagged products to determine the order inwhich products are located in an establishment when placingrepresentations of the wirelessly tagged products in the planogram. Theplanogram generator may retrieve images of products from a data storage(e.g., data structure 11006) or search via a search engine for visualrepresentations using product classification information, or use datastored in a data structure to match a product or a product family to adesired representation on the planogram. Product images based on productclassification information may be generic images of a class of products.For example, a soup product may be represented in a planogram using ageneric soup can. The planogram generator may use additional productdetails such as brand name, to place accurate images of products in theplanogram by conducting image search using product identifying data,such as model code, brand name, product name, and manufacturer name. Insome embodiments, the at least one processor may use classificationinformation along with location information to correctly place arepresentation of a product in a planogram that matches the locationinformation of the actual product in an establishment. In someembodiments, an establishment may have specific locations designated forproducts of a particular product type, product family, or classificationinformation. For example, a grocery establishment may store productshaving a dairy classification placed at one end of the store. Theplanogram generator uses such information with the default location of aclass of products in an establishment to generate a visualrepresentation of the class of products without waiting for wirelesssignals from wirelessly tagged products to determine location. In someembodiments, establishment may not have locations a-priori designatedfor particular product families, the planogram generator may create aplanogram of the actual state of the establishment and the distributionof products based on determined locations of products using emittedwireless signals. Planogram generator may use the current location asdefault location and track changes in the planogram of an establishment,enabling establishment staff and customers to more easily find items inthe establishment, and enabling the processor to recommend changes inthe placement of products that would be advantageous to improving sales,reducing inventory, reducing costs or improving productivity.

In some embodiments, the planogram generator may place a visualrepresentation of a product in an approximate area within apredetermined distance of the location of the actual product in anestablishment. The approximate area may include any location which iswithin the location boundaries of the product. For example, a producthaving location boundaries defined as including the top three shelves ofan aisle in an establishment may be presented on a planogram byinserting a visual representation of that product on the top shelf ofthe planogram representing the establishment.

FIG. 23 is an exemplary planogram 23001 representing a floor map of anestablishment, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.As illustrated in FIG. 23, planogram 23001 includes representations ofdifferent sections of the establishment with groupings of products withshared classification information. For example, group 23002 correspondsto products such as vegetables, fruits, and produce, and group 23004corresponds to seafood products such as shellfish. Groups of productsmay be grouped in a hierarchical manner with groups containing subgroupsof products with matching classification information. For example, ingroup 23002, vegetable products, fruits, and produce are subgroups23008, 23010, 23012, which share classification information.

In some embodiments, the map of the establishment may include areasdesignated for storage and areas designated for display, and wherein theat least one processor is further configured to include in the planogramfor each group of products sharing classification information, at leastone common location in a storage area and at least one common locationin a display area. For example, a planogram may identify different areasof an establishment associated with different functions or purposes. Asone example, some areas of the planogram may be identified as areasdesignated for storage of one or more products, whereas other areas ofthe planogram may be identified as areas designated for display of theone or more products. These different areas of the planogram may matchportions of the establishment designated for storing products forkeeping, and displaying products for sale, respectively. A storage areamay include a backroom or a warehouse portion of an establishment whereadditional copies of the products displayed for sale may be stored dueto lack of display space. Storage areas may also include areas of anestablishment where products may be stored to preserve them and increasetheir shelf life. For example, an establishment may include arefrigerated storage section to store the vegetables not in the displayarea to avoid spoilage. In some embodiments, the storage area mayinclude an area of the warehouse where large packaging of products maybe placed and that may need to be split into small packaging forpresenting in the display area for sale. For example, a storage area ofan establishment may include products tightly packed together on apallet. The display area may include products organized in differentaisles and shelves for visitors to an establishment to view and purchaseproducts.

As used herein, a common location is a location in the establishmentthat would be considered the place where a certain type of product wouldbe found if searched for in a display or storage area and may also bethe place to return any misplaced instances of the type of product. Forexample, in a grocery store type establishment, the dairy products maybe located at the back of the store, and that would be the commonlocation of dairy products. A storage location may have common locationsfor a group of products sharing classification information so that astaff member of an establishment may easily find a product based ontheir knowledge of another product of the same class. Similarly, avisitor to an establishment to purchase a product in the display areamay want to efficiently find products without having to inspect thecomplete display area. Common locations for a group of products in thedisplay area may also aid a staff member in putting back misplacedproducts quickly without having to guess their correct location. In someembodiments, an establishment may designate a portion of theestablishment as a common location for placing groups of products havingcommon classification information. For example, in a department storeestablishment, classification information related to different brandsmay be used to place products that belong to the same brand at a commonlocation even though the products may include different models and typesof products. Alternatively, in an electronics store establishment,products having the same functionality (e.g., speakers, televisions,laptops, mobile phones, etc.) may share a common location irrespectiveof the product brand. In some embodiments, a planogram may have multiplecommon locations for the same set of products. For example, anestablishment and its planogram may have products and theirrepresentations placed in a common location by both brand andfunctionality, forming multiple common locations.

In some embodiments, the system may allow a user interacting with theplanogram to switch between the different areas. For example, a user mayuse one or more input devices associated with a display devicedisplaying the planogram to switch between a view of a storage area anda display area. Different areas of the planogram (e.g., storage area anddisplay area) may present different types of information related to thewirelessly tagged products. For example, an area of planogram designatedwarehouse may present information associated with one or more pallets onwhich one or more wirelessly tagged products may be stored. As anotherexample, an area designated as the front store may present informationassociated with locations of aisle and/or shelves, prices and availablesizes of wirelessly tagged products, a number of the wirelessly taggedproducts present in that area, and/or any other information associatedwith a configuration of the establishment or the wirelessly taggedproducts located in the front store area. In some embodiments, some ofthat information may be withheld or hidden from a user interacting withthe planogram, depending on the role and permission level of the user,for example when the user is a staff member of the establishment or avisiting customer.

Visual representations of wirelessly tagged products in a planogram maymatch in count with the actual wirelessly tagged products present in anestablishment. In some embodiments, visual representations of wirelesslytagged products may indicate multiple instances of actual wirelesslytagged products present in an establishment. For example, a planogrammay include a single visual representation of a wirelessly taggedproduct for a predetermined number of instances (e.g., one, two, ten, orany other number) of the actual products. Visual representations ofwirelessly tagged products may include labels, including additionalinformation. By way of non-limiting examples, labels may include a totalcount of wirelessly tagged products in an establishment, a price, anavailable discount coupon, or any other information associated with thewirelessly tagged products. A planogram may also allow a user to switchviews between different storage or retail locations belonging to thesame establishment.

Some disclosed embodiments may involve indicating, for at least onegroup of products sharing product classification information, at leasttwo locations where products in the least one group are clustered and toidentify the at least two locations on the planogram. Clustered groupsof products may include two or more products placed together or in acommon section or region of an establishment. In some embodiments, aplanogram generator may divide a group of products with sharedclassification information into multiple clusters in different locationsbased on product families. A planogram generator may do so because theavailable space in a particular portion of the establishment may beinsufficient to accommodate all the products sharing productclassification information. For example, products sharing theclassification “seafood” may include products in a “shellfish” family ofproducts and a “fish” family of products. The planogram generator mayidentify more than one location for placing the products having thecommon classification “seafood” because a single location may not havesufficient available space to accommodate all the products in theseafood family. Thus, for example, the planogram may include the seafoodclassification of products presented in two clusters, one for theshellfish product family and one for the fish product family. Theplanogram generator may include indicators on the planogram to indicatethese multiple locations. In some embodiments, the planogram may allow auser to search for all locations in a planogram where clusters ofproducts sharing certain classification information (e.g., seafood) arepresent. When a user performs such a search, the planogram may highlightor otherwise identify all the locations associated with the commonclassification information (e.g., seafood). By way of example, asillustrated in FIG. 23, a group of products may form clusters 23004 ofshellfish family products and 23006 of fish family products as shown inFIG. 23 that spread across multiple locations in the planogram.Alternatively, or additionally, an establishment may choose to placeidentical products having the same product model code in more than onelocation in the establishment (for example, placing one rack of socksnext to the Footwear section and another rack of socks next to the Pantssection, where both racks carry the same assortment of socks, in aclothing store). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the planogram mayindicate two locations on the map of the establishment as the commonlocation of a product, e.g., a specific type, color and size of sock,when a user performs a search for that specific product.

Some embodiments may involve tracking the planogram over time, whereintracking the planogram includes comparing current common locations of atleast one group of products to a history of common locations of the atleast one group of products, determining whether the current commonlocation diverge from the history of common locations, and updating theplanogram to indicate the new common location if the divergence isgreater than a predefined threshold. As used herein, a common locationis a location in the establishment that would be considered the placewhere a certain product would be found if searched for and is the placeto return any misplaced instances of the product. For example, in agrocery store type establishment, the dairy products may be located atthe back of the store, and that would be the common location of dairyproducts such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Such common locations a groupof products may be considered default locations to present visualrepresentations of the group of products in a planogram.

As used herein, tracking the planogram over time may include determiningchanges to the planogram, including additions, deletions, and/or updatesof products and/or their locations within the planogram. Tracking theplanogram over time may additionally or alternatively includedetermining changes to a grouping of products in a planogram. By way ofnon-limiting examples, embodiments of the system may automaticallyupdate a planogram at predetermined intervals of time or may beconfigured to determine changes to the planogram that may be caused bythe occurrence of certain events over time. Such events may includestoring products and/or comparing locations of products in anestablishment.

In some embodiments, tracking the planogram may include comparingcurrent common locations of at least one group of products to a historyof common locations of the same group of products, determining whetherthe current common location diverges from the history of commonlocations, and updating the planogram to indicate the new location ifthe divergence is greater than a predefined threshold. As used herein, ahistory of common locations may include a range of locations where thegroup of products was considered to be present in the establishment bydefault over some period of time. A history of common locations may bedetermined by providing previously defined common locations of productsmanually by a user or determined using wireless signals emitted bywireless transmitting tags attached to wirelessly tagged products. Forexample, a processor may determine distances between current commonlocations and the history of common locations for one or more products.A group of products may be considered to diverge from a history ofcommon locations when those products move away from the range oflocations of the history of common locations or when the size oflocations of those products shrinks or increases in size compared to thesize of the history of common locations. By way of example, the group ofproducts may be considered to diverge from a history of common locationswhen one or more of the distances determined by the processor exceeds apredetermined threshold distance. A processor may keep track of commonlocations by storing aisles, shelves, number of aisles, number ofshelves, and coordinates within each aisle and shelf where the group ofproducts is present in an establishment. The processor (e.g., processor11004 of FIG. 11) may note changes to these locations of the groupproducts based on the changes to the characteristics of the wirelesssignals emitted by wireless transmitting tags associated with thewirelessly tagged products. The processor may compute a divergence(i.e., change in location) by determining product locations based on amost recently received set of wireless signals and previously storedhistory of common locations stored in a data storage, such as a datastructure (e.g., data structure 11006 of FIG. 11). The processor maydetermine whether the divergence is greater than a predeterminedthreshold and may update the common locations of the group of productsstored in the data structure. For example, a planogram may be tracked toobserve if a group of products has moved beyond a certain number offeet, then update the limits between which the groups of products can bepresent in the establishment. By way of non-limiting examples, planogramupdates may include updating a location of a visual representation ofproducts, a number of copies of visual representation of productsindicating a change in a count of products in an establishment, ormodifying or altering any other information associated with theplanogram. In some embodiments, a planogram may be updated when trackedevents change values such as location or when the total count reachescertain values. For example, a planogram may be updated to indicate anew common location if the divergence is greater than a predefinedthreshold. In some embodiments, a threshold amount may be separatelydefined for each type of establishment, product, or group of products.The threshold amount may automatically be adapted based on severalfactors related to establishments and wirelessly tagged products presentin an establishment.

Some disclosed embodiments may involve adapting the predefined thresholdbased on at least one of a type of establishment, an owner ofestablishment, a history of planogram updates in establishment,classification information of products in establishment or a user input.Adapting a threshold may include, but is not limited to, raising orlowering the threshold (whereby raising a threshold would require futuredivergences to be larger in order to generate an update to theplanogram, and lowering the threshold would result in smaller futuredivergences to generate an update to the planogram). Adapting athreshold may include changing a rate at which the threshold is adapted,changing a rate at which divergences are measured against the threshold,or changing one or more parameters that cause the threshold to beadapted. By way of example, a grocery type establishment may be expectedto have the dairy products placed at a farther end of a store and thusmay have a low predetermined threshold of divergence from this commonlocation. In some embodiments, the common location of products in anestablishment may be determined based on ownership. For example, if anestablishment is a franchise, then a common location of products in theestablishment may tend to match the common locations in otherestablishments associated with the franchise irrespective of the ownersof the other establishment. In this case, the predetermined thresholdfor the divergence of the common location of products may be lower.

In some embodiments, updating the planogram further includes sending analert that the planogram was updated. In some embodiments, one or morealerts may be transmitted to one or more devices associated with a userwhen changes are made to a planogram. In some embodiments, one or morealerts may be sent to staff in an establishment, to managementoverseeing the establishment, or to a function in an organization incharge of compliance of establishments in the organization to locationand placement guidelines issued by the organization to its memberestablishments. User devices may include, for example, a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a smartwatch,smart glasses, or any other type of electronic or computational deviceassociated with the user. An alert may refer to an indication that anevent requiring action and/or response has occurred. An alert may referto one or more textual or graphical symbols, sounds, or tactile outputs(e.g., vibrations) provided on one or more devices associated with auser or users. For example, an alert may include phone notificationssuch as text messages or smartphone notifications. As another example,an alert may include textual or graphical information provided via othercommunication channels such as electronic mail. A user viewing aplanogram may receive alerts by selecting and subscribing to one or morealerts. A user may subscribe to the planogram update alerts in thesmartphone application or a website used to view the planogram bychecking the boxes for each alert in the Settings portion of theplanogram. A user may use a web browser or a smartphone to subscribe tothe alerts. In some embodiments, alerts may be provided in real-time orbased on certain update events. For example, the at least one processormay cause a real-time alert to be provided in response to events such asone or more wirelessly tagged products going out of stock or changing inposition. In some embodiments, a user may configure the time of alertnotifications for planogram updates. For example, a user may requestalert notifications as an hourly, 8-hourly, daily, or weekly digest ofplanogram updates, or at any other desired time or frequency.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is further configured toreceive, over a communications interface, a request to identify alocation of a specific product in the establishment, and to respond tothe request by sending back at least one common location of productssharing classification information with the product identified in therequest. As used herein, a communication interface may be a hardwareinterface of the system for communicating with nearby wirelesstransmitting tags using technologies such as Bluetooth, Near FieldCommunication (NFC). A communication interface may include a circuitconfigured to receive signals sent over a communication medium. Thesignals may carry data (as in the case of communication systems such asWi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular communication, Ethernet communication or anyother standards-based or proprietary protocol). The medium may beover-the-air wireless communication; and the signal may carry data ofsome form according to an agreed-upon communication protocol. Acommunication interface may include a fixed interface in an environment,a wireless user device (e.g., cellphone, tablet, dedicated hardware,etc.), a handheld device (e.g., a handheld scanner provided to anemployee or customer by the establishment for use during workingroutines or in a shopping session), or any other circuit or componentthat receives wireless signals.

As used herein, a request may include a wireless signal with an embeddedoperation code to perform a task and to determine the information todisplay. The system may receive a request from a receiver (e.g.,receivers 11300 a-g of FIG. 11) through wireless signals over thenetwork (e.g., network 11002 of FIG. 11) to perform an operationassociated with the product, such as determine a location of awirelessly tagged product, determine an available inventory of awirelessly tagged product, or determine any other information associatedwith a wirelessly tagged product. In some embodiments, a user mayrequest for receipt of wireless signals from a wirelessly taggedproduct. For example, a user of a smartphone with NFC capability mayrequest to receive a wireless signal by bringing the smartphone close toa wirelessly tagged product with an NFC tag to activate the wirelesstransmitting tag and emit a wireless signal. The user may select anoperation (e.g., location of a product) to activate the RFID tag.

In some embodiments, a user may request a receiver device to receivewireless signals by bringing the receiver device in close proximity towireless transmitting tags associated with wirelessly tagged products.For example, a smartphone with NFC capability may be brought close to aproduct with an NFC tag to activate the wireless transmitting tag andemit a wireless signal, including information about the product. In someembodiments, wireless signals may be relayed using wireless receiverdevices to a processor to identify location over a network. By way of anon-limiting example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, receiver(s) 11300 a-greceive wireless signals from tag(s) 1100 over network 11002 withprocessors 11004 to identify locations of tag(s) 1100.

Embodiments of the system may respond to a request by retrieving datarequested in a received wireless signal and displaying the retrieveddata. For example, a received request for a location of a wirelesslytagged product may result in processing a received wireless signal toretrieve a tag ID associated with the wirelessly tagged product by theprocessor. The processor may use the tag ID to retrieve locationinformation associated with the wirelessly tagged product from a datastorage (e.g., data structures 11006).

In some embodiments, the request to identify the location of a specificproduct includes identification information of the requester, indicatingwhether the requester is an authorized establishment staff member. Asused herein, identification information of the requester may beinformation to uniquely identity the individual (e.g., employee numberin an establishment, employee name) or their role in an establishment(e.g., employee title). The at least one processor may extract theidentity of a user generating a request from the received request. Insome embodiments, the identity of a user may be retrieved based on datain the received location request. For example, information identifying auser may be available as part of cookies stored on the user's device. Inanother scenario, a user's request for location may be a web requestsubmitted as a form with a user identifying information included in thehidden fields of the form. In some embodiments, the at least oneprocessor may retrieve identification information based onauthentication information associated with the software used forgenerating location requests. For example, user identity information maybe part of a session generated when the user logs into an application toview a planogram of the establishment and requests a location of theproducts in the planogram. A user access token generated as part of theuser authentication and stored on a server associated with theestablishment or on the user's device may be used as user identificationinformation. In some embodiments, identity information may be based onthe identity of hardware used for generating location requests, such asnetwork IP address, MAC ID, a device's IMEI, a serial number or otherhardware-identifying information. In some embodiments, the at least oneprocessor may look up in a data structure information associated withthe retrieved identification information and use that to determinewhether the request is authorized. For example, a location request for aproduct's availability in a warehouse may result in reviewing user title(e.g., manager) to determine if an individual with a certain title hasaccess to the location information in the warehouseto decide whether toprovide location details of the searched product within theestablishment.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor may determine whetherthe identification information of the requester indicates whether therequester is an authorized staff member. An authorized establishmentstaff member may be an individual associated with an establishment whohas the authorization to access certain information about theestablishment and/or wirelessly tagged products in an establishment.Authorization (in the context of user roles in a data system) mayinclude one or more permissions, from an entity managing a data system,to access certain types, aspects or categories of data stored in thedata system. For example, different employees of an establishment mayrequire different authorization or different permission levels to accesssensitive personal data such as birthdays or addresses as opposed toless sensitive personal data such as full names, email addresses orphone numbers. By way of another example, employees of an establishment(e.g., a retail store) may require different authorization or differentpermission levels to access sensitive business information such as stocklevels and future orders as opposed to less sensitive businessinformation such as price or product pictures. For example, a staffmember in a retail establishment may be allowed access to locationinformation of products present in certain areas (e.g., warehouse,storefront) and certain types of products (e.g., clothing, dairy,groceries).

As discussed above, the at least one processor may receive a request toidentify the location of a specific wirelessly tagged product. In someembodiments, the wireless signal, including the request, may includeidentification data of a user seeking information of wirelessly taggedproducts along with an ID of the product. In some embodiments, useridentification data may be provided manually by a user of the devicethat sent a request to identify the location of a specific wirelesslytagged product. Additionally or alternatively, user identification datamay be provided by the device used for requesting location. For example,the device may provide identification data, such as phone number,address, employee ID, authentication credentials used by a user to loginto the device used for generating a request.

In some embodiments, the user identification data may be used to controlaccess to location information associated with a specific product. Insome embodiments, a location identification request may be denied if theuser is not an authorized user for the requested search operation. Auser may be considered unauthorized to access location data related to aproduct based on identity information associated with the user. Forexample, a location lookup request as part of an inventory search may beauthorized only for staff members of an establishment who have access tothe backroom storage of products. By way of a non-limiting example, asillustrated in FIG. 14A-C, device 11008 may transmit identificationinformation of the user along with a tag ID of a product with searchrequest generated using search button 14006. User search requests foridentifying the location of a product may include a search for inventoryavailability with location or search for product details (as describedin FIG. 14A), including location given model number and other details(as described in FIG. 14B).

In some embodiments, additional information associated with a locationrequest, such as time of the day, wait time between requests, or thenumber of repeated requests, may be used in determining whether the useris authorized to access location information. For example, a locationrequest made outside business hours may be considered unauthorizedunless it is a manager making a request. In another scenario, locationrequests in very quick succession may be understood to be made byautomated software and not a human being and deemed unauthorized. In yetanother scenario, a repeated request for location request beyond athreshold number may be considered unauthorized.

Access to location information may be configured to certain users ordevices. A user may be allowed to configure access control restrictionrules and store them in a data storage, such as data structures 11006.Processors 11004 may receive user configurations and may store them invarious formats, including flat files, databases, etc. Embodiments mayallow configuration to control access to classification information anddetermination of location information.

In some embodiments, when the request originates from an entity otherthan an authorized establishment staff member, products located instorage areas may be excluded from a corresponding response. Anunauthorized person may be any individual not authorized to accesslocations of products in a planogram and thus may not use that featurewhen viewing the planogram of an establishment. In some embodiments, anunauthorized person may be an individual not part of an establishment,such as a customer visiting the establishment, or a delivery persondropping new stock of products, an individual using an unauthorizeddevice, such as a personal phone instead of establishment providedkiosk, or accessing locations of products in a planogram in anunorthodox manner, such as accessing information too frequently,accessing information outside business hours. A staff member may beregarded as unauthorized to request location information based on thestaff member's title. For example, a staff member with the title“manager” may be allowed to request and access location information. Butanother staff member with the title “janitor” or “check-out-clerk” maybe considered an unauthorized staff member, and a request by such astaff member to access location information may be denied.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart illustrating operations of an exemplary method24000 for the generation of a planogram, according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure. In step 24002, the at least one processorreceives from receivers wireless signals from wirelessly taggedproducts. In some embodiments, wireless signals may include an IDassociated with each of the plurality of wirelessly tagged products. Instep 24004, the at least one processor may access a data structureassociating received ID in wireless signal with classificationinformation. In step 24006, the at least one processor determineslocations of wirelessly tagged products in establishments. In step24008, the at least one processor determines product classificationinformation from the received ID. In step 24010, the at least oneprocessor generates a planogram using determined locations andclassification information of wirelessly tagged products.

In step 24002, the at least one processor may receive wireless signalsassociated with wirelessly tagged products in an establishment from aplurality of wireless receivers. By way of example, as illustrated inFIG. 11, processor(s) 11004 belonging to system 11000 may receivewireless signals of tag(s) 1100 associated with wireless taggedproducts, such as 1106 (as shown in FIG. 1) and 1122 (as shown inFIG. 1) through receiver(s) 11300 a-g.

In step 24004, in response to received wireless signals including ID ofwirelessly tagged products in step 24002, the at least one processor mayaccess a data structure associating the ID of wirelessly tagged productswith classification information. By way of example, as illustrated inFIG. 11, processor(s) 11004 may access data structure(s) 11006 uponreceiving wireless signals with ID via receiver(s) 11300 a-g.

In step 24006, the at least one processor may utilize the receivedwireless signals to determine locations of wirelessly tagged productstransmitting wireless signals in an establishment. By way of example, asillustrated in FIG. 13A, a retail establishment may include tag 1100associated with merchandise moved between different sections ofestablishment and emitting signals received by receivers in thosesections.

In step 24008, the at least one processor may use the data structureretrieved in step 24004 to lookup classification information associatedwith a wirelessly tagged product. The at least one processor may alsouse ID data in wireless signals received in step 24002 for looking upclassification information. By way of example, as illustrated in FIG.14B, a device 11008 may be used to look up product information based onreceived information such as brand, SKU number, inventory number, ormodel number.

In step 24010, the at least one processor may generate a planogram ofthe establishment using the determined location of wirelessly taggedproducts in the establishment in step 21006 and classificationinformation determined in step 24008. Embodiments of the system mayutilize location information to place visual representations ofwirelessly tagged products present in an establishment. Embodiments ofthe system may utilize classification information in determining thevisual representations of wirelessly tagged products. In someembodiments, the system may utilize classification and locationinformation to verify the authenticity of a wireless signal associatedwith the wirelessly tagged products. For example, classificationinformation may be utilized to determine if a wireless product is placedin the correct location. In some embodiments, the system may utilizeclassification information to verify if a user accessing informationrelated to a product is an authorized user. Embodiments of the systemupon completion of step 24010, completes (step 24002-99) executingmethod 24000.

Disclosed embodiments may include a system for reading wirelesstransmitting tags in an establishment containing a plurality ofwirelessly tagged products, and for automatically generatingreplenishment alerts. A wirelessly tagged product may include any itemwith which a tag may be associated. A product may include any object ormaterial stored or maintained within an establishment. By way ofnon-limiting examples, a product may include food, clothing, shoes,electronics, consumer goods, equipment, vehicles, consumables,packaging, accessories, supplies, materials, artistry, animals,instruments, pallets, containers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics,commodities, articles, devices, machinery, implements, mechanisms,tools, furniture, or any other object that may be present in anestablishment. In some embodiments, the establishment may offer theproducts for sale, exchange, or barter, for display, for safekeeping,for storage, for distribution, and/or for complimentary giveaway. Awireless transmitting tag may be associated with a product to enable theproduct, via the tag, to provide self-identification.

Embodiments of a wireless transmitting tag may include any devicesuitable to attach to any object for the purpose of identifying theobject visually, tactilely, audibly, or electronically without the useof externally connected cables or wires. Other embodiments may beembedded into an item as part of the manufacturing process or later, forexample, by a retailer. Replenishment alerts may include alert signalsused to indicate a need to restock items based on the occurrence of anevent. In some embodiments, a user may configure events for thegeneration of alerts and also types of alerts to generate upon theoccurrence of an event. Replenishment alerts may also include a specifictype of alert that suggests the restocking of certain products.

In the context of stock management at an establishment, an alert signalmay indicate that certain items or products stocked are below a desiredminimum stock level (or about to go below a desired minimum stocklevel), or alternatively that they are above a desired maximum stocklevel. Other alert signals may indicate that certain items or productsstocked have an expiry date approaching or already passed, or that athreshold for the period of time that a certain item or product ispresent in the establishment has passed (or is about to pass).

A wirelessly tagged product may power the wireless transmitting tag toactivate the tag to provide information. Power source to wirelesstransmitting tag may be continuous power source from an AC or DC circuitor stored energy such as batteries. In some embodiments, tags of thewirelessly tagged products lack batteries. When a wirelessly taggedproduct lacks an energy source, a wireless transmitting tag associatedwith a wirelessly tagged product may be activated by an external device.For example, a user of a smartphone with NFC capability may request toactivate a wireless tag by bringing the smartphone close to a wirelesslytagged product with an RFID tag to activate the wireless transmittingtag.

In some embodiments, tags of the wirelessly tagged products are poweredby capacitors. The energy provided by an external device may be brieflystored in capacitors to activate the wireless transmitting tags to emitwireless signals sharing information related to associated wirelesslytagged products. A capacitor may be a hardware component for storingenergy in a wireless transmitting tag. As discussed above, a wirelesstransmitting tag may include an energy storage circuit having a storagecapacitor configured to store the ambient energy shared by an externaldevice. Additionally, or alternatively, a tag may include a 2.4 GHzharvester configured to harvest energy in a frequency band around 900MHz (e.g., ambient and intentional energy sources around 900 MHz, suchas RFID or cellular signals in this band). A storage capacitor may beelectrically connected to a radio energy harvester to store ambientenergy received by the harvesters and together with the harvester, powerthe wirelessly tagged products. In some embodiments, wirelesstransmitting tags may include transfer capacitors configured forcollecting and storing the ambient energy harvested by wirelesstransmitting tags. In some embodiments, ambient energy may be collectedby a harvester and initially stored in the transfer capacitors. Thetransfer capacitors may be configured for temporarily storing ambientenergy collected in the form of electrical energy, and the storagecapacitor may be configured as the main store of the collected ambientenergy in the form of electrical energy. The harvested, collected, andstored energy in capacitors may be used to power the circuitry of awireless transmitting tag.

In some embodiments, the system includes at least one transmitter forwirelessly powering tags of the wirelessly tagged products. Atransmitter may include any circuit configured to transfer, send,radiate, deliver, or output signals. The signals may contain energy suchthat upon receipt the energy is used by receiving tags to power thetags. The transmitter may therefore include one or more antenna fortransmitting signals containing energy, and the tags may each includeone or more antenna for receiving the signals containing energy. Atransmitter may transmit the energy directly obtained from a powersource or previously stored energy in a capacitor or other energystorage component, to power circuitry in wireless transmitting tags ofwirelessly tagged products.

Disclosed embodiments may include at least one processor as describedelsewhere in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the at least oneprocessor is configured to receive from a plurality of receivers in theestablishment, wireless signals from the plurality of wirelessly taggedproducts, wherein the wireless signals reflect an ID associated witheach of the plurality of wirelessly tagged products. In someembodiments, the wireless signals include an ID associated with each ofthe plurality of wirelessly tagged products. An ID (e.g., tag ID) mayinclude information of a given one of the wireless transmitting tagsthat identifies the tag to a user and/or to other devices or devicecomponents. The ID may include numbers, letters, characters, codes,strings, or other forms of data that may identify the wirelesstransmitting tag to other devices or device components that receive theID. In some embodiments, the ID may be unique to a specific tag, andthat specific tag may have only one ID. Alternatively, the same tag mayhave multiple IDs. In some embodiments, multiple tags may share the sameID or groups of IDs. Examples of an ID may include a serial number, partnumber, bar code, UUID, EPC, and/or other data.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to accessat least one data structure associating each ID of each wirelesslytagged product with one of a plurality of product models. In someembodiments, each of the plurality of product models are associated withan SKU. As used herein, product model may include instances of a productwith common attributes identified using a number, code, or other formsof data that is uniquely associated with a type of product, item,object, material, etc., as part of a stock management system, inventorykeeping system, or other such data management platform. Examples ofcodes that represent a product model include SKU codes, EPC codes,barcodes, ISBN codes, product numbers, part numbers, catalog numbers,etc. A product model may be identified and managed using a product modelcode that virtually represents a physical instance of a product model.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to performa look-up in the data structure of a product model associated with atleast one ID of at least one wirelessly tagged product. The at least oneprocessor may determine products related to wirelessly tagged productsusing identifying information, such as tag ID. For example, the at leastone processor may search a data structure storing the details of productmodels in association with tag IDs. By way of example, the datastructure utilized in looking up product models may include a hash mapthat may have keys that include IDs of wirelessly tagged products andvalues with one or more product model details, such as product name,dimensions, technical specification, manufacturer name, brand name,and/or any other information or data associated a product model. In someembodiments, the data structure may include a key point to a storagelocation (e.g., memory location) containing product details. In someembodiments, the at least one processor may transform data orinformation included in wireless signals emitted by a wirelesstransmitting tag associated with a wirelessly tagged product to a tag IDassociated with the wirelessly tagged product. Transformation mayinclude combining different data (e.g., product serial number, wirelesssignal receipt timestamp, wireless signal characteristics such asamplitude and angle) to uniquely identify a product model.Transformation may further include decryption, descrambling, re-orderingor other predefined mathematical manipulations of the transmitted data.For example, a unique tag ID associated with a clothing product with awireless transmitting tag may include information, such as brand name,product name, and size. A processor (e.g., processors 11004 of FIG. 11)of the system may be used to transform data in a received wirelesssignal to generate a tag ID and use it to access the product model byusing the tag ID to look up a location of the product model in a hashmap included in the data structure defined above. The processor may thenaccess the identified storage location to retrieve the product model.

In some embodiments, one or more processors may be configured todetermine, based on the look-up, a total number of units of each productmodel detected in the establishment. For example, the processor maycount a number of look-up operations performed to determine a totalnumber of units of a product model. A processor may keep track ofseparate counts for each product model by saving tag IDs present inwireless signals associated with each product model in a list andcounting the number of unique tag IDs in the list. In some embodiments,the processor may create a new list to add tag IDs when no other listsexist, or when the processor has not previously looked up a productmodel in the data structure. A processor may store in a data structure alist of all unique tag ID's present in an establishment, and update thelist from time to time based on reports from other parts of the system,and use that list to count the number of units of a product model. Theproduct model associated with the tag IDs in the data structure thathave previously been accessed or looked-up by the processor may point toeach of the lists of tag IDs used for look-up in the data structure. Insome embodiments, the processor may keep an array of counters, one foreach product model, and increment the value of a respective array cellupon identifying a product model in the data structure.

A processor may look up product models associated with tag IDs for apredetermined period of time to determine the number of units of theproduct model in an establishment. A user may configure thepredetermined amount of time associated with each of the product models.In some embodiments, a user may configure the time at which theprocessor may look up product models associated with tag IDs in receivedwireless signals. For example, a user may configure a processor (e.g.,processors 11003 of FIG. 11) to look up tag IDs in a data structure(e.g., data structures 11006 of FIG. 11) for product model IDs afterbusiness hours to see how many units of a product remain in theestablishment. In some embodiments, the system may be configured tocalculate the total count of units per product model multiple times perday based on a time of the year. For example, a user may configure thesystem's processor to determine the total count of units present in anestablishment multiple times during the day on weekends when there maybe more visitors to the establishment as compared to a weekday.

In some embodiments, the determined total number of units of eachproduct model in the establishment may be an estimation. A processor(e.g., processors 11004 of FIG. 11) may confirm the total number ofunits of a product model upon collection of wireless signals emitted bywirelessly tagged products for a predetermined period and using tag IDsin wireless signals to look up product model codes. During thepredetermined time period the processor may not receive wireless signalsfrom every wirelessly tagged product associated with a product model inthe establishment. Thus, the total count of units of a product model maynot represent an exact count of units present in the establishment. Thecount of units determined by the processor may then be considered anestimate of the actual count of units in the establishment.Alternatively, or additionally, a processor may use the count of unitsfrom which wireless signals were received during the time period, alongwith information about the rate of transmission of the wirelessidentification tags, to generate an estimate of the actual number ofunits present in the establishment.

In some embodiments, an estimate of the total number of units of aproduct model in an establishment may be determined by processing thenumber of units of product models identified by collecting andprocessing tag IDs present in wireless signals emitted by wirelesstransmitting tags and their associated product models. A system'sprocessor may calculate the average, mean or median value of the totalnumber of units of a product model as calculated from different sets ofwireless signals received and processed to identify product models fromtag IDs in the wireless signals and use them as estimate values.Different sets of wireless signals used in calculating average, mean,and median values of the number of units of a product model may haveoverlapping signals shared between at least two sets. In someembodiments, a set of signals used to calculate the total count of unitsof a product model may be a subset of signals. In some embodiments,various counts of units of a product model may be used as a discrete setof estimated values. In some embodiments, the various counts may beordered (e.g., arranged in an ascending or descending order) todetermine a range of values and use the determined range as an estimateof the total number of units of the product model.

In some embodiments, the estimation may be based on data from someremote sensing system (e.g., a computer vision system, a tag readingsystem, an imaging-radar system, a LIDAR detection system, etc.), or itmay be based on historical data regarding stock movements in the store,or it may be based on a combination of previous stock counts and salesdata, or any combination of the above.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to accessin the at least one data structure a target threshold of unitsassociated with each product model in the establishment. A targetthreshold may be a value stored in a data storage. The value of thetarget threshold may be an actual or estimated number of units needed orexpected in inventory. By way of example, disclosed embodiments mayinclude an arrangement similar to data structures 11006 (as shown inFIG. 1), and may indicate the minimum number of units of a product modelan establishment needs to have in stock or display in the establishment.In some embodiments, the threshold is at least one of a number or anumber range. The threshold value may include multiple discrete valuesbased on various factors such as establishment size, time of year, timeat which stock in the establishment is replenished or any other factorsthat may affect the receipt or sale of products in the establishment.For example, a threshold value of a number of units of a product modelmay vary based on a size of the establishment with a higher thresholdnumber of units of a product model in a larger establishment, such as asuperstore and a lower threshold in a smaller establishment, such as aneighborhood store. In another scenario, the threshold value of aproduct model may be higher during periods of the year associated withhigher sales volumes such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and/or otherholidays. A user may be allowed to configure the threshold number ofunits associated with a product model using a processor and store thethreshold in a data structure. In some embodiments, a user may beallowed to identify the periods of higher sales volume and the thresholdvalues to be associated with each such time period.

In some embodiments, the threshold may be a number range. For example,the threshold may represent multiple conditions that need to be met forthe threshold to be passed. For example, a threshold number range of 3to 5 may be associated with the conditions such as “less than threeitems, or less than five items if the stock is below that level for morethan twelve hours.” As another example, a threshold number range of 2 to3 may be associated with the conditions such as “less than two items,unless it is a Friday in which case less than three items.

A system's processor may retrieve the threshold number of units of aproduct model from a data structure by using a code associated with aproduct model code. A data structure may include a hash map with coderepresenting the product model as keys that point to a valuerepresenting the threshold number of units of a product model. Aprocessor may access the data structure to look-up the threshold valueof a product model by providing a code identifying a product model. Insome embodiments, a hash map may point to a memory location to a listwith various threshold values associated with a product model fordifferent environments and times of the year.

Some embodiments may involve comparing the determined total number ofunits of each product model with the target threshold to determine whena particular product model falls below an associated threshold. Forexample, a processor may compare a count of the total units of a productmodel in an establishment to a threshold value associated with thatproduct model and/or establishment. Comparisons of total available unitsand the threshold value may be used to take one or more actions, suchas, determining whether the product model is low in number and needs tobe restocked or too high in number and needs to be moved to a warehouse.A system's processor (e.g., processors 11004 of FIG. 11) may compare thetotal units of a product model and its threshold value once or multipletimes in a day, in a week, in a month, or over any other desired timeperiod. The total number of times and the frequency of comparing thetotal available units of a product model in an establishment and itsthreshold value may vary with each product model. In some embodiments,the comparison schedule of a product model may be based on variousfactors such as establishment size, time of day, or time of year. Forexample, a frequency of a comparison of the total number of units of aproduct model in an establishment and its threshold value may vary basedon the size of an establishment with lower frequency in a largerestablishment, such as a superstore with a high number of units ofproduct model available and a higher frequency in a smallerestablishment, such as a neighborhood store with a low number of unitsof product models. In another scenario, the comparison schedule of aproduct model may include a higher frequency during periods havinghigher sales volumes such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other holidays.A user may be allowed to configure the comparison schedule frequency ofa product model using a processor and store the frequency in a datastructure. In some embodiments, a user may be allowed to identify theperiods of higher sales volume and the comparison frequency to beassociated with each configured period.

The disclosed comparison may include a simple comparison of a thresholdnumber of units of a product model to a number of units of the productpresent in an establishment. In some embodiments, the comparison mayinclude comparing whether the total number of units of a product modelfalls within a range of values of threshold values of the product modeland/or how close the total number of units is to a minimum or maximumthreshold value. The processor may take different actions based on wherethe total number of units of a product model in an establishment fallswithin the threshold range of values of the product model. For example,if the total number of available units of the product model in anestablishment is close to a minimum value of the threshold range ofvalues of the product model, then the product model may need to berestocked immediately. In another scenario, if the total number ofavailable units of the product model in an establishment is close to amaximum value of the threshold range of values, the processor mayprovide a timeline for restocking the product model in theestablishment.

Some embodiments may involve outputting a replenishment notification forthe particular product model. A notification is a signal generated by acomponent of one system, used to alert another component of the system,or a different system, or a person (or any combination of the above) ofthe occurrence of a certain event. The notification signal can beaudible (such as a heavy truck beeping when it is driven in reverse),visual (such as the flashing lights of an ambulance alerting otherdrivers to move out of the way), another sensory signal (such as thevibration of a phone set to “silent” when a call comes in), or a digitalsignal (such as a notification signal to an app on a mobile device, aninterrupt signal to a CPU in an electric circuit board, or an entry in asystem alert log) among other forms.

A replenishment notification is a notification indicating that areplenishment action needs to be performed. This notification may besent to a store employee directing them that a product needs to bebrought from a storage area of the establishment to a display area ofthe establishment, so the product would be available for sale. In someembodiments, the notification may be sent to a store employee directingthem that a product needs to be ordered from a warehouse because it isno longer available in the store (or it is expected to be no longeravailable at some future point in time) and needs to be replenished. Asanother example, the notification may be sent from an inventorymanagement system in the establishment to a central ordering system ofthe organization, generating an automatic order to replenish inventoryat the establishment.

An individual replenishment notification may be sent to a user devicefor each product model when a total number of units of the particularproduct model in the establishment falls below a threshold number ofunits associated with that product model. A replenishment notificationof a particular product model may be sent in real-time or may be delayedand sent along with other product model notifications in a batch manner.The timing of replenishment notifications may be based on an amount bywhich the total number of units of a particular product model differsfrom a threshold value associated with that product model. The timing ofthe replenishment notification may indicate an urgency of restocking theunits of the particular product model in the establishment.

In some embodiments, the notification may include a message that thetotal number of units of the particular model is below a threshold.Replenishment notifications may include a message in text formatdisplayed on a user device to take action. The message may include areason for the notification, for example, the total number of units of aparticular model of the product is below the threshold value, and adescription of the action suggested or required to be taken. In someembodiments, the replenishment notification may include codes for thereason and action, and the user device (e.g., user device 11008) maylooks-up text messages for determining the reason for replenishmentnotification and action to be taken.

In some embodiments, a data structure may store a plurality ofreplenishment rules, and in response to the replenishment notificationat least one processor may be configured to access an associatedreplenishment rule from the plurality of replenishment rules, and tosubmit an order for restocking the particular product. In someembodiments, at least one processor may be configured to accessreplenishment rules for preventing restocking order submissions forparticular products.

As used herein, a replenishment rule may include a set of algorithms,conditions, or requirements that determine, based on a possibly widearray of inputs, whether a replenishment needs to be performed. Thereplenishment rule may also provide requirements associated with thereplenishment. By way of example, a replenishment rule may specify thata product model may not be replenished or restocked when the product hasnot been purchased in the last N days. As another example, areplenishment rule may specify that a product model may be replenishedbased on a day of the week and/or a time of day. By way of anotherexample, a replenishment rule may specify that a product model may bereplenished if the coming week includes a holiday, special event, or aplanned sale or a planned new collection launch. Various otherconditions for replenishing product models may be specified in the formof one or more replenishment rules. The inputs to the algorithm mayinclude, for example, a sales history, an inventory history, anengagement history, catalog information, price information, price changeinformation, date and time information, staffing information,organizational processes information (e.g., set replenishment times orset order requirements) or any other information indicating a volume orrate at which a product model comes into (e.g., due to restocking orreturns by a customer) or goes out (e.g., due to sales) of anestablishment. Requirements for replenishment may include, for example,a minimum or a maximum number of items in the order, a combined minimumor maximum number over several aggregated orders in a defined timeperiod, an association between product information and the facility,organization, or entity the order is sent to.

Replenishment rules may include instructions that require performance ofan action when the total number of units of a particular product modeldiffers from a threshold value associated with that product model.Replenishment rules may be generated by a user and stored in datastorage such as data structure 11006 (as shown in FIG. 11). The totalnumber of units and the threshold number of units may be considered todiffer when a difference between the two values is more than apredetermined difference value. In some embodiments, the predetermineddifference value may include an error percentage associated withestimating the total number of units of the product model. In someembodiments, the total number of units may be considered to be differentfrom the threshold number when the total number of units is lower thanthe range of values included in the threshold associated with theparticular model. In some embodiments, a user may be allowed toconfigure different predetermined difference values to be associatedwith different product models, different establishments, and/ordifferent time periods. A user may be allowed to configure thepredetermined difference values associated with a product model using aprocessor and store it in a data structure (e.g., data structure 11006of FIG. 11). A processor may send a replenishment notification when thetotal number of units of a particular model differs from the thresholdnumber of units of the product model.

A user device may access one or more replenishment rules on receipt of areplenishment notification generated based on a difference between thetotal and threshold number of units of a product model. A user devicemay access the one or more replenishment rules by searching a datastructure using a code representing the product model. In someembodiments, the replenishment notification received by the user devicemay include the code representing the product model. The data structuremay include a hash map with product models as keys pointing toreplenishment rules. A user device may provide a product model as inputto the hash map to look-up one or more replenishment rules. The accessedone or more replenishment rules may include instructions presented to auser in the form of display on the user device. Replenishmentinstructions may include actions associated with stocking of a productmodel in an establishment. Actions may include restocking units of theproduct model in different areas (e.g., front display area, backwarehouse area) of the establishment or moving units of the productmodel from one area of the establishment to another. Restocking unitsmay include placing orders for units of product model from a vendor toship to the establishment.

As used herein, an order may include a shopping cart order to shiprequested products. In some embodiments, an order may be sent to aremote system to bring units of the product model to the establishmentfrom a storage facility. A shopping cart order may result inautomatically adding items to a shopping cart and presenting a link tothe shopping cart to a user to authorize and/or place an order.

Some embodiments may involve accessing replenishment rules for delayingsubmission of orders for restocking a particular product based on atleast one of the particular product in the restocking order, a number ofother restocking orders submitted over a recent time period, aparticular products for which other restocking orders were submittedover a recent time period, a sale history of the particular product inthe restocking order, a sales history of the particular products forwhich other restocking orders were submitted over a recent time period,or a time at which the restocking order is submitted. For example, aprocessor may execute one or more replenishment rules to determine whereand when to issue restocking orders. The one or more replenishment rulesmay include various conditions for determining a location and a time forordering units of a product model. The location for ordering units of aproduct model may represent one or more sources from which anestablishment may obtain one or more units of the product model. Suchsources may include, for example, e-commerce stores and associatedwebsites, product manufacturer's websites, wholesaler's websites, or aphysical or electronic address associated with an entity or a personsupplying one or more products to an establishment. Placement of theorders may be instantaneous or may delayed based on various factors.Factors that may delay placement of orders for restocking a productmodel may include orders for other product models requiring restocking,establishment size, time of the year, or other conditions that maydetermine whether or not one or more product models are required to bepresent in an establishment. For example, a restocking order requestmade during the fall season for a product model representing a summerclothing collection may be delayed until a spring season immediatelypreceding the following summer season. In another scenario, productsthat have a shorter shelf life, such as produce, dairy, or othertime-sensitive items, such as a certain in trend clothing, may beprioritized for a restocking order over other restocking order requests.One or more replenishment rules for determining the timing forprocessing restocking orders of a product may be based on particularproducts for which other restocking orders were submitted over a recenttime period and meta information associated with those restockingorders. Such meta information may include, for example, a number (e.g.,total count) of other restocking orders submitted over a recent timeperiod, sales history of a particular product in the restocking order,sales history of the particular products for which other restockingorders were submitted over the recent time period, or a time at whichthe restocking order is submitted. For example, submission of arestocking order for a product may be delayed when the sales history forthat product indicates that a sales volume of that product is relativelysmall over a long time period (e.g., only 1 or 2 units sold over a week,or over a month). As another example, submission of s restocking orderfor a product may be delayed when several other restocking orders forthat same product have already been previously submitted. Various othercriteria may be used to define rules for delaying submission ofrestocking orders for particular products.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating operations of an exemplary method25000 for the generation of replenishment notifications, according tosome embodiments of the present disclosure. In step 25002, the at leastone processor receives from receivers wireless signals from wirelesslytagged products. In some embodiments, wireless signals may include an IDassociated with each of the plurality of wirelessly tagged products. Instep 25004, the at least one processor may access a data structureassociating received ID in wireless signal with product model. In step23008. the at least one processor performs a look-up in data structurewith tag ID. In step 25008, the at least one processor determines thetotal number of units of the product model in an establishment. In step25010, the at least one processor accesses data structure thresholdunits of the product model in the establishment. In step 25012, the atleast one processor compares the total number of units of the productmodel with the threshold number of units of the same product model. Instep 25014, the at least one processor outputs the replenishmentnotifications for the product model.

In step 25002, the at least one processor may receive wireless signalsassociated with wirelessly tagged products in an establishment from aplurality of wireless receivers. By way of example, as illustrated inFIG. 11, processor(s) 11004 belonging to system 11000 may receivewireless signals of tag(s) 1100 associated with wireless taggedproducts, such as 1106 (as shown in FIG. 1) and 1122 (as shown inFIG. 1) through receiver(s) 11300 a-g.

In step 25004, in response to received wireless signals including ID ofwirelessly tagged products in step 25002, the at least one processor mayaccess a data structure associating the ID of wirelessly tagged productswith the product model. By way of example, as illustrated in FIG. 11,processor(s) 11004 may access data structure(s) 11006 upon receivingwireless signals with ID via receiver(s) 11300 a-g.

In step 25006, the at least one processor may utilize the accessed datastructure to perform look-up product model. By way of example, asillustrated in FIG. 14B, a device 11008 may be used to look-up a productmodel based on received ID information associated with a wirelesstransmitting tag associated with a wirelessly tagged product.

In step 25008, the at least one processor may use the looked-up productmodels numbers associated with IDs in step 25006 to determine the totalnumber of units of product model in an establishment. By way of example,as illustrated in FIG. 14A, a device 11008 may be used to determine thetotal number of units of the product model based on received IDinformation associated with a wireless transmitting tag associated witha wirelessly tagged product.

In step 25010, the at least one processor may access in data structurethreshold units of the product model. By way of example, as illustratedin FIG. 11, processor 11004 may access data structure 11006 directly orover network 11002 to access threshold units values for a product model.

In step 25012, the at least one processor compares the total number ofunits of a product model obtained in step 25008 to the threshold numberof units of the same product model obtained in step 25010. Embodimentsof the system may compare to determine if the total number of units ofthe particular product model is lower than the threshold number of unitsof the particular product model.

In step 25014, the at least one processor outputs a replenishmentnotification of the product model based on the result of comparison instep 25012. By way of example, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, a device11008 may be used to notify replenishment of the product model.Embodiments of the system share replenishment notifications requestingrestocking or avoiding restocking items. Embodiments of the system sharereplenishment notification to move units of the product model betweendifferent areas of the establishment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 26110 forin-store pick-up of previously purchased products, consistent withdisclosed embodiments. Process 26110 is provided by way of example, anda person of ordinary skill would appreciate various other processes forinventory control consistent with this disclosure. At step 26112,process 26110 may include receiving transmissions from at least onewirelessly transmitting tag. In some embodiments, the at least onewirelessly transmitting tag may be associated with a previouslypurchased product. At step 26114, process 26110 may include accessing apurchase transaction record of an out-of-store product purchase from anestablishment. In some embodiments, the purchase transaction record mayinclude an identification of at least one purchased product andpurchaser-identifying information of a purchaser associated with the atleast one purchased product. At step 26116, process 26110 may includereceiving a unique tag ID of a specific wirelessly transmitting tagassociated with at least one specific product in inventory which, inturn, may correspond to the at least one purchased product. At step26118, process 26110 may include assigning the at least one specificproduct to a record associated with the purchase transaction. In someembodiments, a record associated with the purchase transaction mayinclude data in the purchase transaction record pertaining to theout-of-store product purchase of the at least one purchased product. Atstep 26120, process 26110 may include receiving, from a mobilecommunications device associated with the purchaser, a notification thatthe at least one purchased product is being picked up at theestablishment. At step 26122, process 26110 may include authorizingpick-up of the at least one specific product based on informationreceived from the mobile communications device associated with thepurchaser. In some embodiments, information received from the mobilecommunications device may include the notification that the purchasedproduct is being picked up and/or other information received from themobile communications device. At step 26124, process 26110 may includedisabling an ability to initiate an alarm when a transmission isreceived from the specific tag in proximity to an electronic articlesurveillance (EAS) gate associated with the establishment.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 27110 forpreventing theft of wirelessly tagged returned items, consistent withdisclosed embodiments. Process 27110 is provided by way of example, anda person of ordinary skill would appreciate various other processes forinventory control consistent with this disclosure. At step 27112,process 27110 may include receiving transmissions from wirelesslytransmitting tags. In some embodiments, at least one of the wirelesslytransmitting tags may be associated with a product that was previouslypurchased from an establishment. At step 27114, process 27110 mayinclude receiving, from a mobile communications device, a notificationof intent to return the previously purchased product to theestablishment. In some embodiments, the mobile communications device maybe associated with a previous purchaser of the previously purchasedproduct. At step 27116, process 27110 may include identifying, in a datastructure, a unique tag ID of a specific wirelessly transmitting tagassociated with the previously purchased product. At step 27118, process27110 may include updating the data structure to indicate that thepreviously purchased product was returned to the establishment. Forexample, the data structure may be updated based on receiving anotification that the previously purchased product was returned to theestablishment. At step 27120, process 27110 may include enabling anability to initiate an alarm when a transmission is received from thespecific tag associated with the previously purchased product inproximity to an EAS gate in the establishment.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 28110 forperforming wireless transactions, consistent with disclosed embodiments.Process 28110 is provided by way of example, and a person of ordinaryskill would appreciate various other processes for inventory controlconsistent with this disclosure. At step 28112, process 28110 mayinclude accessing at least one data structure containing identities of aplurality of display areas (display area IDs) and identities of aplurality of products (product IDs) associated with the plurality ofdisplay areas. At step 28114, process 28110 may include receiving, froma mobile communications device, a request for information related to aparticular display area. In some embodiments, the particular displayarea may be in a vicinity of the mobile communications device. At step28116, process 28110 may include receiving location informationassociated with a locus of the mobile communications device. At step28118, process 28110 may include performing a look-up in the at leastone data structure to identify the particular display area in the locusof the mobile communications device. In some embodiments, the look-upmay be performed in response to, or based on, the received locationinformation. At step 28120, process 28110 may include retrieving, fromthe at least one data structure, product-related information of productsassociated with the particular display area. In some embodiments,retrieving the product-related information may be based on theidentification of the particular display area. At step 28122, process28110 may include transmitting the product-related information of theproducts associated with the particular display area to the mobilecommunications device.

Disclosed embodiments may include any one of the followingbullet-pointed features alone or in combination with one or more otherbullet-pointed features, whether implemented as a system and/or method,by at least one processor, and/or stored as executable instructions onnon-transitory computer readable media.

-   -   an electronic security system    -   an establishment offering products    -   products having associated wireless transmitting tags    -   at least one electronic article surveillance (EAS) gate    -   at least one receiver configured to receive transmissions from        wireless transmitting tags    -   at least one processor    -   receiving, from a device operated by a prospective purchaser, a        specific tag ID of a specific tag associated with a specific        product for prospective purchase from an establishment    -   accessing a data structure containing a plurality of tag IDs        associated with a plurality of products in an establishment    -   performing a lookup in a data structure of a specific tag ID, to        thereby identify a specific product    -   initiating an electronic purchase transaction to debit an        account associated with a prospective purchaser for an        electronic purchase of a specific product    -   disabling an ability to initiate an alarm when at least one        receiver receives a transmission from a specific tag in        proximity to an EAS gate    -   a personal mobile communications device of a prospective        purchaser    -   performing a lookup of a specific tag ID to determine that an        associated specific product was already purchased    -   updating a data structure to include an instruction not to        initiate an alarm when at least one receiver receives a        transmission from a specific tag in proximity to an EAS gate    -   removing from a data structure an indication that a specific        product is available for purchase    -   an electronic credit card transaction    -   receiving a specific tag ID from a device operated by a        prospective purchaser following detection of the specific tag ID        by the device    -   receiving a specific tag ID from a device operated by a        prospective purchaser via a local Wi-Fi connection in an        establishment    -   receiving a specific tag ID from a device operated by a        prospective purchaser via a Wide Area Network (WAN) connection    -   receiving a specific tag ID from a device operated by a        prospective purchaser via a wired Local Area Network (LAN)        connection    -   each of a plurality of tag IDs in a data structure that is        unique from every other tag ID in the data structure    -   determining, based on transmissions received by at least one        receiver, tag locations at a time of transmission    -   determining tag proximity to an EAS gate    -   a kiosk in an establishment    -   processing data associated with a plurality of establishments    -   accessing a plurality of data structures, each of the plurality        of data structures being uniquely associated with one of a        plurality of establishments    -   a plurality of transmitters for wirelessly sending power to        wireless transmitting tags    -   at least one receiver configured to receive transmissions upon        detection of an EAS gate by a specific tag    -   inventory control operations    -   receiving transmissions from a plurality of wireless        transmitting tags    -   inventory control operations for a plurality of products        equipped with a plurality of wireless transmitting tags    -   an establishment offering in-store pick-up of previously        purchased products    -   accessing a purchase transaction record of an out-of-store        product purchase    -   identification of at least one purchased product and        purchaser-identifying information of a purchaser associated with        the at least one purchased product    -   receiving a unique tag ID of a specific tag associated with at        least one specific product in inventory corresponding to at        least one purchased product    -   assigning at least one specific product to a record associated        with a purchase transaction    -   receiving, from a mobile communications device associated with a        purchaser, a notification that at least one purchased product is        being picked up at an establishment    -   authorizing pick-up of at least one specific product based on        information received from a mobile communications device        associated with a purchaser    -   following authorization of pick-up of at least one specific        product, disabling an ability to initiate an alarm when at least        one receiver receives a transmission from a specific tag in        proximity to an EAS gate    -   performing a lookup of a unique tag ID to determine that an        associated at least one specific product is authorized for        pick-up    -   updating a data structure to include an instruction not to        initiate an alarm when at least one receiver receives a        transmission from a specific tag in proximity to an EAS gate    -   removing a unique tag ID and a product ID of an associated at        least one specific product from a data structure, such that the        unique tag ID and the product ID are no longer counted as part        of an establishment inventory available for sale    -   identifying information of a package holding at least one        specific product during a pick-up waiting time at an        establishment    -   information readable by a mobile communications device    -   a notification from a mobile communications device that at least        one purchased product is being picked up at an establishment        including identifying information of a package holding at least        one specific product    -   a machine-readable printed code    -   a Near Field Communication tag ID    -   a package tag ID of a wirelessly transmitting package tag        associated with a package, the package tag being unassociated        with any products in an establishment    -   a purchase transaction record including information of a time        period over which at least one specific product is authorized        for pick-up    -   checking, upon receiving a notification that at least one        purchased product is being picked up, whether the notification        was received within a time period,    -   authorizing a pick-up if a notification was received within a        time period    -   denying a pick-up if a notification was received outside of a        time period    -   location-identifying information indicating that a mobile        communications device associated with a purchaser is located        within an establishment    -   sending a notification to a mobile communications device        associated with a purchaser    -   a plurality of transmitters for wirelessly sending power to        wirelessly transmitting tags    -   at least one receiver configured to receive transmissions upon        detection of an EAS gate by a specific tag    -   wirelessly transmitting tags configured to transmit immediately        upon sensing an EAS gate    -   wirelessly transmitting tags configured to transmit an ID        transmission indicating proximity to an EAS gate upon sensing        the EAS gate    -   determining, based on transmissions received by at least one        receiver, tag locations at the time of transmission, thereby        determining tag proximity to an EAS gate    -   operations for enabling in-store pick-up of products associated        with wirelessly transmitting tags    -   receiving transmissions from at least one wirelessly        transmitting tag    -   electronic security systems for preventing theft of returned        goods    -   at least one electronic article surveillance (EAS) gate in an        establishment    -   at least one receiver configured to receive transmissions from        wirelessly transmitting tags    -   receiving, from a mobile communications device associated with a        previous purchaser, a notification of intent to return a        previously purchased product to an establishment    -   following receipt of a notification, identifying in a data        structure, a unique tag ID of a specific wirelessly transmitting        tag associated with a previously purchased product    -   updating a data structure to indicate that a previously        purchased product was returned to an establishment    -   upon updating a data structure, enabling an ability to initiate        an alarm when at least one receiver receives a transmission from        a specific tag associated with a previously purchased product in        proximity to a EAS gate    -   a data structure configured, prior to receipt of a notification,        to maintain an indication to disable an ability to initiate an        alarm when at least one receiver receives a transmission from a        specific tag associated with a previously purchased product in        proximity to an EAS gate    -   updating a data structure to permit initiation of an alarm when        at least one receiver receives a transmission from a specific        tag associated with a previously purchased product in proximity        to an EAS gate    -   at least a second receiver in an establishment, the second        receiver being configured to receive a wireless transmission        from a mobile communications device associated with a previous        purchaser    -   receiving a transmission over a cellular network from a mobile        communications device associated with a previous purchaser    -   performing a lookup in a data structure containing purchase        transaction records    -   verifying, upon receipt of a notification of intent to return a        previously purchased product, that a specific product identified        by a unique tag ID of a specific tag was purchased by a previous        purchaser associated with a mobile communications device    -   updating a data structure when a previously purchased product is        verified as having been purchased by a previous purchaser    -   averting updating a data structure if a previously purchased        product is unverified as having been purchased by a previous        purchaser    -   receiving a unique tag ID from a mobile communications device of        a previous purchaser    -   receiving an indication that a returned previously purchased        product was repurchased by another purchaser    -   upon receiving an indication, disabling an ability to initiate        an alarm upon detection of a specific tag    -   initiating a refund transaction    -   delaying refunding a previous purchaser until staff at an        establishment have examined a returned previously purchased        product and deemed the previously purchased product eligible for        return    -   at least one receiver configured to receive tag signals        reflecting sensing of an EAS gate    -   a specific tag configured to transmit immediately upon sensing        an EAS gate    -   a specific tag configured to transmit, upon sensing an EAS gate,        an ID transmission indicating the specific tag is in proximity        to the EAS gate    -   determining, based on transmissions received by at least one        receiver, tag locations at a time of transmission, to thereby        determine tag proximity to an EAS gate    -   sending a notification to a mobile communications device        indicating that a return process of a previously purchased        product is complete    -   a data structure including information of a time period over        which a previously purchased product is authorized for return    -   checking, upon receiving a notification of intent to return a        previously purchased product to an establishment, whether the        notification was received within a time period over which the        previously purchased product is authorized for return    -   authorizing a return of a previously purchased product to an        establishment if a notification was received within a time        period    -   denying a return of a previously purchased product to an        establishment if a notification was received outside of a time        period    -   receiving location-identifying information    -   determining, based on location-identifying information, that a        mobile communications device associated with a previous        purchaser is located within an establishment    -   preventing theft of wirelessly tagged returned items    -   receiving transmissions from wirelessly transmitting tags    -   receiving, from a mobile communications device associated with a        previous purchaser, a notification of intent to return a        previously purchased product to an establishment    -   system for conducting wireless transaction communications    -   identities of a plurality of display areas    -   identities of a plurality of products associated with the        plurality of display areas    -   receive, from a mobile communications device    -   a request for information related to a particular display area        in a vicinity of the mobile communications device    -   receive location information associated with a locus of the        mobile communications device    -   in response to the location information, perform a look-up in        the at least one data structure    -   identify the particular display area in the vicinity of the        mobile communications device    -   based on the identification of the particular display area,        retrieve from the at least one data structure    -   product-related information of products associated with the        particular display are    -   transmit the product-related information to the mobile        communications device    -   a selection of at least one specific product associated with the        particular display area    -   initiate an activity associated with the selection    -   in connection with the purchase transaction, transmit options        for product delivery    -   picking up the at least one specific product at a location in a        vicinity of the particular display area,    -   picking up the at least one specific product at a location other        than the location in the vicinity of the particular display area    -   delivering the at least one specific product to a specified        address    -   selection includes a request for additional information    -   activity includes transmitting the additional information to the        mobile communications device    -   location information associated with the locus of the mobile        communications device includes at least one of a GPS location, a        GLONASS location, a Galileo location, or other Global Navigation        and Positioning System location information associated with the        mobile communications device    -   request for information related to the particular display area        includes a location ID input into the mobile communications        device    -   the location ID is derived from a scan of a graphical code or a        Near Field Communication (NFC) tag associated with the        particular display area    -   particular display area includes a window display    -   product-related information of products associated with the        particular display area includes identities of at least some of        the products associated with the particular display area    -   purchase request includes a request that the at least one        specific product associated with the particular display area be        shipped to a location specified via the mobile communications        device    -   transmitting the product-related information includes        transmitting a signal to cause the mobile communications device        to display the product-related information on a graphical user        interface,    -   graphical user interface is configured to display the        product-related information in at least one of a textual format        or a graphical format    -   transmit a signal to cause the mobile communications device to        output the product-related information as audible information        for presentation via the mobile communications device    -   at least one receiver associated with the particular display        area    -   receiver being configured to receive wireless signals from the        mobile communications device    -   a system for reading wireless transmitting tags in an        establishment    -   plurality of wirelessly tagged products    -   automatically generating a product distribution planogram    -   receive from a plurality of receivers in the establishment,        wireless signals    -   wireless signals from the plurality the plurality of wirelessly        tagged products    -   wireless signals include an ID associated with each of the        plurality of wirelessly tagged products    -   data structure associating each ID of each wirelessly tagged        product with classification information    -   access a data structure    -   determine from the wireless signals, locations in the        establishment    -   perform a lookup in the data structure of each ID of each        wirelessly tagged products    -   determine the product classification information associated with        each of the wirelessly tagged products    -   generate a planogram for the establishment using determined        locations of each wirelessly tagged product and the determined        product classification information    -   classification information includes a product model code    -   planogram indicates on the map a location of at least one of        group products sharing the product model code    -   planogram indicates locations of a plurality of groups of        wirelessly tagged products    -   classification information includes for each wirelessly tagged        product, an associated product family indicator    -   planogram divides a map of the establishment by product family    -   data structure contains information associating each product        model code with a product family    -   ascertain from each determined model code associated with each        wireless tag, an associated product family    -   indicate, for at least one group of products sharing product        classification information    -   at least two locations where products in the latest one group        are clustered    -   identify the at least two locations on the planogram    -   Track the planogram over time    -   tracking the planogram includes comparing common locations of at        least one group of products to a history of common locations    -   determining whether the current common location diverge from the        history of common locations    -   updating the planogram to indicate the new common location if        the divergence is greater than a predefined threshold    -   updating planogram further includes sending an alert that        planogram was updated    -   adapt the predefined threshold    -   predefined threshold based on at least one of a type of the        establishment, an owner of the establishment, a history of        planogram updates in the establishment, the classification        information of the products in the establishment, or a user        input    -   determine locations based on at least one of an amplitude, a        phase, an angle of arrival, or a time of arrival of the received        wireless signals    -   map of the establishment includes areas designated for storage        and areas designated for display    -   include in the planogram for each group of products sharing        classification information, at least one common location in a        storage area and at least one common location in a display area    -   receive, over a communications interface, a request to identify        a location of a specific product in the establishment    -   request to identify the location of a specific product includes        identification information of the requester, indicating whether        the requester is an authorized establishment staff member    -   when the request originates from an entity which is not an        authorized establishment staff member    -   exclude from a corresponding response, products located in        storage areas    -   non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions    -   perform operations for generating a planogram based on        information collected from wireless tags    -   method for generating a planogram based on information collected        from wireless tags    -   establishment    -   wireless merchandise tags in an establishment    -   plurality of wirelessly tagged products    -   replenishment alerts    -   receiving from a plurality of receivers in the establishment    -   wireless signals from the plurality of wirelessly tagged        products    -   wireless signals reflect and ID    -   ID associated with each of the plurality of wirelessly tagged        products    -   data structure associated with each id if each wirelessly tagged        product with one of a plurality of product models    -   access at least one data structure associated with each ID of        each wirelessly tagged product    -   perform a look-up in the data structure of a product model    -   product models detected in the establishment    -   determine, based on the look-up, a total number of units of each        product model    -   target threshold of units associated with each product model    -   access in the at least one data structure a target threshold of        units    -   compare the determined total number of units of each product        with the target threshold    -   product model falls below an associated threshold    -   output a replenishment notification    -   plurality of product models are associated with an SKU    -   determined total number of units of each product model in the        establishment is an estimation    -   threshold is at least one of a number or a number range    -   at least one data structure stores a plurality of replenishment        rules    -   in response to the replenishment notification the at least one        processor is configured to access an associated replenishment        rule from the plurality of replenishment rules    -   submit an order for restocking the particular product    -   the at least one processor is configured to access replenishment        rules for preventing restocking order submissions for particular        products    -   at least one processor is configured to access replenishment        rules for delaying submission of orders for restocking a        particular product    -   delaying submission of orders for restocking a particular        product based on at least one of the particular product in the        restocking order    -   number of other restocking orders submitted over a recent time        period    -   particular products for which other restocking orders were        submitted over a recent time period    -   sale history of the particular product in the restocking order    -   sales history of the particular products for which other        restocking orders were submitted over a recent time period    -   time at which the restocking order is submitted    -   tags of the wirelessly tagged products lack batteries    -   tags of the wirelessly tagged products are powered by capacitors    -   comprising at least one transmitter for wirelessly powering tags        of the wirelessly tagged products    -   a non-transitory computer readable medium containing        instructions    -   perform operations for automatically generating replenishment        alerts    -   a method for automatically generating replenishment alerts based        on signals from a plurality of wirelessly tagged products

Systems and methods disclosed herein involve unconventional improvementsover conventional approaches. Descriptions of the disclosed embodimentsare not exhaustive and are not limited to the precise forms orembodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of the embodimentswill be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice ofthe disclosed embodiments. Additionally, the disclosed embodiments arenot limited to the examples discussed herein.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to the preciseforms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of theembodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification andpractice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, the describedimplementations include hardware and software, but systems and methodsconsistent with the present disclosure may be implemented as hardwarealone.

The features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from thedetailed specification, and thus, it is intended that the appendedclaims cover all systems and methods falling within the true spirit andscope of the disclosure. As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and“an” mean “one or more.” Similarly, the use of a plural term does notnecessarily denote a plurality unless it is unambiguous in the givencontext. Words such as “and” or “or” mean “and/or” unless specificallydirected otherwise. Further, since numerous modifications and variationswill readily occur from studying the present disclosure, it is notdesired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operationillustrated and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modificationsand equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of thedisclosure.

Computer programs based on the written description and methods of thisspecification are within the skill of a software developer. The variousfunctions, scripts, programs, or modules may be created using a varietyof programming techniques. For example, programs, scripts, functions,program sections or program modules may be designed in or by means oflanguages, including JAVASCRIPT, C, C++, JAVA, PHP, PYTHON, RUBY, PERL,BASH, or other programming or scripting languages. One or more of suchsoftware sections or modules may be integrated into a computer system,non-transitory computer readable media, or existing communicationssoftware. The programs, modules, or code may also be implemented orreplicated as firmware or circuit logic.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, thescope may include any and all embodiments having equivalent elements,modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across variousembodiments), adaptations or alterations based on the presentdisclosure. The elements in the claims are to be interpreted broadlybased on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examplesdescribed in the present specification or during the prosecution of theapplication, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.Further, the steps of the disclosed methods may be modified in anymanner, including by reordering steps or inserting or deleting steps. Itis intended, therefore, that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit beingindicated by the following claims and their full scope of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic security system for preventingtheft of returned goods, the electronic security system comprising: atleast one electronic article surveillance (EAS) gate in anestablishment; at least one receiver configured to receive transmissionsfrom wirelessly transmitting tags; and at least one processor configuredto: receive, from a mobile communications device associated with aprevious purchaser, a notification of intent to return a previouslypurchased product to the establishment, following receipt of thenotification, identify in a data structure, a unique tag ID of aspecific wirelessly transmitting tag associated with the previouslypurchased product, update the data structure to indicate that thepreviously purchased product was returned to the establishment, and uponupdating the data structure, enable an ability to initiate an alarm whenthe at least one receiver receives a transmission from the specific tagassociated with the previously purchased product in proximity to the EASgate.
 2. The electronic security system of claim 1, wherein the datastructure is configured, prior to receipt of the notification, tomaintain an indication to disable the ability to initiate an alarm whenthe at least one receiver receives a transmission from the specific tagassociated with the previously purchased product in proximity to the EASgate.
 3. The electronic security system of claim 1, wherein enabling theability to initiate an alarm includes updating the data structure topermit initiation of the alarm when the at least one receiver receives atransmission from the specific tag associated with the previouslypurchased product in proximity to the EAS gate.
 4. The electronicsecurity system of claim 1, further comprising at least a secondreceiver in the establishment, the second receiver being configured toreceive a wireless transmission from the mobile communications deviceassociated with the previous purchaser.
 5. The electronic securitysystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured toreceive a transmission over a cellular network from the mobilecommunications device associated with the previous purchaser.
 6. Theelectronic security system of claim 1, wherein identifying a unique tagID of the specific tag associated with the previously purchased productincludes performing a lookup in a data structure containing purchasetransaction records.
 7. The electronic security system of claim 1,wherein the at least one processor is configured to verify, upon receiptof the notification of intent to return the previously purchasedproduct, that a specific product identified by the unique tag ID of thespecific tag was purchased by the previous purchaser associated with themobile communications device.
 8. The electronic security system of claim7, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: update the datastructure when the previously purchased product is verified as havingbeen purchased by the previous purchaser; and avert updating the datastructure if the previously purchased product is unverified as havingbeen purchased by the previous purchaser.
 9. The electronic securitysystem of claim 1, wherein identifying the unique tag ID of the specifictag associated with the previously purchased product includes receivingthe unique tag ID from the mobile communications device of the previouspurchaser.
 10. The electronic security system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one processor is configured to: receive an indication that thereturned previously purchased product was repurchased by anotherpurchaser; and upon receiving the indication, disable the ability toinitiate an alarm upon detection of the specific tag.
 11. The electronicsecurity system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor isconfigured to initiate a refund transaction.
 12. The electronic securitysystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured todelay refunding the previous purchaser until staff at the establishmenthave examined the returned previously purchased product and deemed thepreviously purchased product eligible for return.
 13. The electronicsecurity system of claim 1, wherein the at least one receiver isconfigured to receive tag signals reflecting sensing of the EAS gate.14. The electronic security system of claim 1, wherein the specific tagis configured to transmit immediately upon sensing the EAS gate.
 15. Theelectronic security system of claim 1, wherein the specific tag isconfigured to transmit, upon sensing the EAS gate, an ID transmissionindicating the specific tag is in proximity to the EAS gate.
 16. Theelectronic security system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to determine, based on transmissions received bythe at least one receiver, tag locations at a time of transmission, tothereby determine tag proximity to the EAS gate.
 17. The electronicsecurity system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor isconfigured to send a notification to the mobile communications deviceindicating that a return process of the previously purchased product iscomplete.
 18. The electronic security system of claim 1, wherein thedata structure includes information of a time period over which thepreviously purchased product is authorized for return.
 19. Theelectronic security system of claim 18, wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to: check, upon receiving the notification ofintent to return the previously purchased product to the establishment,whether the notification was received within the time period over whichthe previously purchased product is authorized for return; authorize thereturn of the previously purchased product to the establishment if thenotification was received within the time period; and deny the return ofthe previously purchased product to the establishment if thenotification was received outside of the time period.
 20. The electronicsecurity system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor isconfigured to receive location-identifying information and to determine,based on the location-identifying information, that the mobilecommunications device associated with the previous purchaser is locatedwithin the establishment.
 21. A non-transitory computer readable mediumcontaining instructions that when executed by at least one processor,cause the at least one processor to perform operations for preventingtheft of wirelessly tagged returned items, the operations comprising:receiving transmissions from wirelessly transmitting tags; receiving,from a mobile communications device associated with a previouspurchaser, a notification of intent to return a previously purchasedproduct to an establishment; following receipt of the notification,identifying in a data structure, a unique tag ID of a specificwirelessly transmitting tag associated with the previously purchasedproduct; updating the data structure to indicate that the previouslypurchased product was returned to the establishment; and upon updatingthe data structure, enabling an ability to initiate an alarm when atleast one receiver associated with the establishment receives atransmission from the specific tag associated with the previouslypurchased product in proximity to at least one electronic articlesurveillance (EAS) gate in the establishment.
 22. A method forpreventing theft of wirelessly tagged returned items, the methodcomprising: receiving transmissions from wirelessly transmitting tags;receiving, from a mobile communications device associated with aprevious purchaser, a notification of intent to return a previouslypurchased product to an establishment; following receipt of thenotification, identifying in a data structure, a unique tag ID of aspecific wirelessly transmitting tag associated with the previouslypurchased product; updating the data structure to indicate that thepreviously purchased product was returned to the establishment; and uponupdating the data structure, enabling an ability to initiate an alarmwhen at least one receiver associated with the establishment receives atransmission from the specific tag associated with the previouslypurchased product in proximity to at least one electronic articlesurveillance (EAS) gate in the establishment.